Yokota Major receives Bronze Star

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca
  • 374 AW/PA
Yokota Air Base, Japan --  A 730th Air Mobility Squadron officer was presented with a Bronze Star, for his meritorious achievements in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, during an award ceremony, here Feb. 24.

Maj. Derek Harris, 730th AMS director of operations was presented with the fourth-highest combat award for the U.S. armed forces by Col. Richard McClain, 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing commander.

"A bronze star is a very big deal...not everybody receives this distinguished medal," said Colonel McClain.

The Bronze Star Medal, established in 1944, is awarded to individuals for acts of heroism or meritorious achievement in ground combat.

According to the medal citation, Major Harris received his award for his "dedication to duty and personal sacrifices contributed to the defeat of insurgent networks."

"I'm not one for speeches but I appreciate everyone coming out I appreciate the medal, the crowning moment of my deployment was (when) one of the team leaders...came into our office and he said that 'I just personally wanted to thank you for everything you've done to support my team. My 12-man team came out here and because of some of the things you did, my 12-man team is going home' so bronze star or not that one moment culminated my tour," said Major Harris.

Major Harris served as deputy director of logistics for the Combined Joined Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, from June to October 2009 at Bagram Air Force Base, Afghanistan.

"Derek has the drive and character that never quits," said Colonel McClain. "He is steadfast, determined, and an excellent decision maker and, if I could use the term, I would say that he's a model officer. He is the model officer that we want out there serving in OEF with our joint partners."

"Receiving an honor like this carries a lifelong responsibility," said Major Harris. "The expectation and responsibility of wearing something like that. You wear something like that not just for yourself but for all those you served with, served for; especially those that didn't get the chance to make it back, so I'm honored, proud and a little bit nervous."

Major Harris, a logistic readiness officer by trade, will be leaving Yokota this summer to assume a position as the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. This will be his first command assignment.