Hill EOD sergeant gets Bronze Star, two others recieve Combat Action Medal Published July 22, 2011 By Mary Lou Gorny Hilltop Times Editor HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Staff Sgt. Matthew Bykowski, 775th Civil Engineer Squadron, was recognized for his professionalism and expertise while deployed in Afghanistan from July 7, 2010, through Jan. 2, 2011, with a Bronze Star Medal by Col. Sarah Zabel, 75th Air Base Wing commander, on July 14. Bykowsi's served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leader, leading two EOD technicians in the execution of more than 40 dismounted combat missions, covering 39,000 square kilometers under constant threat of insurgent attacks. His steadfast counter-insurgency operations to secure freedom and eliminate improvised explosive devices were cited as reflecting great credit upon himself, the combined joint task force he served with, United States Forces - Afghanistan, the United States Air Force and the Department of Defense. A Combat Action Medal was presented to Staff Sgt. Jason Bierman for active participation in combat, having been under direct and hostile fire or physically engaging hostile forces with direct and lethal fire in connection with operations on Nov. 14, 2010. A Combat Action Medal was presented to Senior Airman Zachariah J. Beil, for active participation in combat, having been under direct and hostile fire or physically engaging hostile forces with direct and lethal fire in connection with military operations on Nov. 14, 2010.