4 Bronze Stars in the 75th ABW Published April 21, 2011 By Mary Lou Gorny Hilltop Times editor HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- At a Commander's Call, April 18, Col. Patrick Higby awarded four Bronze Star Medals to personnel within the 75th Air Base Wing. Master Sgt. Benjamin Horton, 775th Civil Engineer Squadron, received three of the medals as well as a Purple Heart for his actions while serving in Afghanistan as an explosive ordnance disposal team leader. The citations consistently report dedication, true grit, determination and several recovery operations, clearing out improvised explosive devices for coalition members and staying calm even when a nearby blast took out a British search team member next to him, rendered Horton temporarily blind. Horton remained calm and focused, holding his position until assistance could reach him, the award citation read. Once he could see, he prevented a unit from entering an IED-laden alleyway and directed rescue efforts to his position. He performed a post blast analysis and was evacuated from the scene because of his injuries. On each Bronze Star citation nominators used such phrases as "courageous efforts outside the wire," "courage and leadership key to mission success" and "I highly recommend this award." Recovery missions, detecting IEDs where all other efforts had failed to detect them, and bringing innovative approaches that resulted in actions saving lives was reflected over and over in his decorations. Staff Sgt. Keith V. Green, 775th Civil Engineer Squadron, also served as an explosive ordnance disposal team leader in Afghanistan. His citation describes his professionalism and technical expertise in leading 27 combat missions directing two EOD technicians, covering 39,000 square kilometers under the constant threat of insurgent attacks. It goes on to credit his steadfast leadership as a reason his command was successful in counter-insurgency operations in the region.