Goodfellow instructor awarded Combat Action Medal Published Feb. 5, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Erica Rodriguez 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Staff Sgt. Sean Loveland, 316th Training Squadron instructor, was awarded the Air Force Combat Action Medal here, Jan. 25. While assigned to the Army 3rd Platoon Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 101st Airborne Division, Loveland engaged enemy fighters near the Nawa Valley in Afghanistan. On Oct. 20, 2010, while providing security for an engineer team repairing a damaged section of the Nawa Road, Loveland's platoon came under attack by rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire from enemy forces. "Ten minutes after the attack began, the gunner in Loveland's vehicle spotted movement on the left flank with a 50-caliber rifle," said Senior Master Sgt. James Aicher, former JACKL/CJ2 superintendent. "Loveland assisted the gunner in the turret with ammunition. After about 25 minutes and spending nearly 400 rounds of ammunition the initial engagement ended." After the initial engagement ended, Loveland joined with one of two squads to begin a battle damage assessment. The squad, during their ascent up the mountain, was spotted by the enemy. "Loveland's squad began to take small arms fire from the top of the ridge," said Aicher. "When Loveland saw where the muzzle flashes were coming from he returned fire to the location." The squad was actively engaged with the enemy until they were suppressed and had broken contact. Loveland expended 70 rounds firing at the enemy. After breaking contact, Loveland and his squad returned to base. Loveland not only performed his assigned duties, but went beyond his duty position in order to supplement combat power for his platoon.
