U.S. Air Force Lt Gen Bradley A. Heithold, commander

U.S. Air Force Lt Gen Bradley A. Heithold, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, and U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Sean A. Pybus, deputy commander of Special Operations Command, stand beside three U.S. Air Force Special Tactics combat controllers, who received an Air Force Cross and two Silver Stars. They are credited with saving the lives of more than 80 U.S. Army Special Forces and Afghan Commando teammates by providing flawless air-to-ground integration in the special operations battlefield. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Ryan Conroy/Released)