Tech. Sgt. Michael Williams is awarded the Bronze Star Medal with valor by Col. John Wood at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., on Oct. 15, 2009. The Bronze Star is awarded to service members for bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service and may be awarded with valor for courage under fire. Sergeant Williams is an explosive ordnance technician with the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron and Colonel Wood is the 437th Airlift Wing commander. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Katie Gieratz)

Tech. Sgt. Michael Williams was awarded the Bronze Star medal with valor, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal and the Air Force Combat Action Medal by Col. John Wood at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., on Oct. 15, 2009. These medals are awarded to service members who have distinguished themselves through heroic and meritorious actions. Sergeant Williams is an explosive ordnance technician with the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron and Colonel Wood is the 437th Airlift Wing commander. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Katie Gieratz)

Tech. Sgt. Michael Williams speaks during his medal presentation ceremony at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., on Oct. 15, 2009. Sergeant Williams received the Bronze Star medal with valor, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal and the Air Force Combat Action Medal for his heroic acts while deployed to Afghanistan. Sergeant Williams is an explosive ordnance technician with the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Katie Gieratz)