Technical Sergeant Anthony Campbell, Jr.
755th Bravo Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leader

During his 2009 deployment to Afghanistan, Technical Sergeant Anthony Campbell, Jr. assisted in recovering and destroying over 280 pieces of ordnance and bulk explosive charges and actively thwarted enemy bomb makers by disposing of more than 2,500 pounds of explosives used in improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Numbers and statistics alone, however, do not adequately describe the honor and valor of this courageous Airman. Sergeant Campbell’s ultimate act of extraordinary heroism occurred while engaged in ground operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Heydarabad, Central Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on December 15, 2009. On this date, Sergeant Campbell was tasked with supporting a coalition deliberate cordon and search mission in support of Task Force 4.

During that final mission, Sergeant Campbell cleared a safe path to the mission objective and provided armed security over-watch for his four-man team. He then began the task of clearing a route for follow-on forces through the gates of the objective entry point. During this phase of the operation, Sergeant Campbell recognized an IED in the team’s path. As he selflessly moved the team away from the danger area, the device detonated. Sergeant Campbell’s valorous actions enabled his team members to safely evacuate the lethal blast zone, but he was killed in the explosion.

For his heroism and intrepidity, Sergeant Campbell was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Purple Heart Medal, the Air Force Combat Action Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.