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Special Agent Receives Purple Heart, Bronze Star

OSI Special Agent Jac Christiansen speaks at his award ceremony after receiving a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and a Combat Action Medal for his services during his 2007 deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. AIr Force / Airman Josh Harbin

COLUMBUS AFB – Air Force Office of Special Investigations Agent Jac Christiansen was “humbled and appreciative” for his recognition at Columbus Air Force Base on Thursday.

The special agent received three medals for his actions while deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism – a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and the Combat Action Medal – for his duties while assigned to an Air Force and Marine unit in the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing in Iraq.

The Bronze Star is awarded to service members who display meritorious achievement or service in connection with military operations against armed enemy forces.

Col. Dennis Gervais, commander of the 4th Field Investigations Region of AFOSI at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, presented the awards to Christiansen during the ceremony.

In his opening words, Gervais said, “This event, steeped in military tradition is about courage, love of country, love of freedom and the incredible human capacity; the commitment to something larger than himself.” *

Christiansen received the Purple Heart for sustaining minor injuries in five improvised explosive device attacks during missions throughout his deployment.

The Purple Heart is awarded to service members who have been injured or killed in action. This decoration, established by Gen. George Washington Aug. 7, 1782, was originally named the Badge of Military Merit.

Christiansen received the Combat Action Medal for performing duties in a combat zone in hostile territory away from a secure, established installation. This award’s creation was authorized by Air Force Chief of Staff General Michael Moseley March 15, 2007 in recognition of Sept. 11, 2001.

Overall, Christiansen’s work contributed to a significant reduction in IED incidents, thus reducing the number of Coalition Forces casualties.

“I’m very humbled and appreciative for this presentation, but I need to give credit to my team, because without them none of this would have happened,” Christiansen said in his remarks to the audience.