A1C Chad Kuykendall, Transportation Specialist 

Airman First Class Chad Kuykendall, deployed to the 424th Medium Truck Detachment at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, was assigned to conduct routine line haul convoy missions into and out of Iraq.

On July 6, 2007, Airman Kuykendall was performing duties as a truck operator on a nighttime convoy mission. His vehicle commander alerted Airman Kuykendall to sparks trailing their truck, indicating a possible insurgent attack against the vehicle. At that moment all electronics and communication equipment in the truck became inoperable, making it impossible to contact the convoy commander and alert him of the attack. Though traveling at high speed without running headlights, Airman Kuykendall expertly maneuvered his tractor trailer to a safe stop on the highway.

The truck’s cab filled with smoke and fire. Airman Kuykendall collected his weapon and additional sensitive items and quickly exited the truck. He realized his vehicle commander was still trapped in the burning cab sitting on top of a 100-gallon gasoline tank. Airman Kuykendall entered the burning vehicle, cut away her gear and freed her. With his vehicle commander injured and unable to walk unassisted, Airman Kuykendall supported her as they moved to the nearest gun truck approximately 100 meters away. Shortly after their escape, the tractor trailer he had been driving was completely engulfed in flames.

Airman Kuykendall’s heroic actions saved his comrade from serious injury and possible death despite great danger to himself.