Senior Airman Matthew Hulsman 

Though only 21-years-old, Senior Airman Matthew Hulsman, from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, has seen his share of life in the combat zone. During a six-month deployment to Afghanistan, Airman Hulsman responded to 87 Explosive Ordnance Disposal combat operations, neutralized more than 48,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance, five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and two enemy weapons caches, denying insurgents the chance to use more than 25,000 pounds of explosives on coalition forces.

Enough for one deployment? There’s more. Airman Hulsman worked with U.S. Army Special Operations Forces and infantry units on 12 combat missions, leading directly to the elimination of 200 Taliban fighters, destruction of an improvised rocket, disposal of over 300 pounds of hazardous munitions, recovery of eight vehicles, and the rescue of 40 people trapped inside a minefield. During these missions, he successfully fought off eight Taliban engagements.

As a convoy driver, he deftly maneuvered his vehicle during multiple day and night fire-fights, including one battle that required him to drive into the kill zone to aid two comrades. His heroism contributed to the safe evacuation of his team members and the elimination of two enemy fighters.

But his work didn’t stop when the action did. He also worked diligently after the fight, conducting post blast investigations on three separate vehicles struck by IEDs in a 24-hour period. His thorough analysis identified a new enemy tactic, allowing coalition forces to adjust their own techniques and targeting to deter and prevent further attacks.

Airman Hulsman’s actions in his first two years of Air Force service have proven his combat mettle. He is an Airman who has shown unquestionable courage in the midst of great personal danger.