The United States (U.S.) Air Force recognized 30 pilots, aircrew, and support personnel for their actions during the largest air-to-air engagement in more than 50 years. The ceremony, held last November 12 at Britain’s Royal Air Force Lakenheath station honored their role in intercepting a massive Iranian-led rocket and drone assault on Israel that occurred on April 13-14.
According to the United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, among the awardees were Maj. Benjamin “Irish” Coffey and Capt. Lacie “Sonic” Hester, who received the Silver Star, the Air Force’s third-highest honor for valor.
The attack, launched by Iran and its proxies, involved over 300 drones and missiles targeting Israel. It was reportedly a response to Israeli airstrikes in Syria that killed senior members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East worked with Israeli and allied defenses to intercept 99% of the aerial threats.
F-15E fighter jets from the 494th Fighter Squadron played a critical role, flying 154 sorties and engaging targets throughout the night. Pilots like Coffey and Hester exhausted their missile payloads before resorting to using the aircraft’s Gatling gun at dangerously low altitudes to neutralize drones. Their actions, alongside the efforts of ground crews and other personnel, helped prevent significant damage and civilian casualties in Israel.
The ceremony marked a historic moment as Capt. Hester became the first woman in the US Air Force and only the 10th woman in Department of Defense history to receive the Silver Star. In addition to the Silver Stars awarded to Coffey and Hester, the event recognized other airmen with six Distinguished Flying Crosses with valor, two Bronze Stars, and numerous commendation medals.
Captain Lacie Hester becomes the first woman in Air Force service history to receive Silver Star as crews are honored for drone fight.
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) November 16, 2024
Lt. Col. Timothy Causey, commander of the 494th Fighter Squadron, praised the teamwork and discipline of the airmen, noting the high stakes involved in protecting lives during the attack.
