Captain Salvatore Sferrazza, Jr.
Combat Rescue Officer, 38th Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia

SALVATORE SFERRAZZA JR., then a first lieutenant, deployed to Afghanistan from August 2010 to March 2011. Captain Sferrazza served as a Guardian Angel Team Commander, leading five pararescuemen.

He led his team during numerous personnel recovery and combat casualty evacuation missions, including a dive mission to recover a Marine blown into a canal by an improvised explosive device. His team also conducted the first blood transfusion by a Guardian Angel unit on board a helicopter, saving a Marine who had lost both legs.

But it was the mission on November 24, 2010 that would truly test Captain Sferrazza’s mettle. That day, he faced one of his toughest missions—to rescue a Marine who had sustained a life-threatening gunshot wound while on dismounted patrol in the Helmand River valley. With the firefight still raging and no secure helicopter landing zone, Captain Sferrazza chose to insert his team in a remote location to reduce the aircraft’s exposure to gunfire.

Once on the ground, Captain Sferrazza quickly led his team to the wounded Marine. He deftly navigated across 100 meters of open terrain with limited cover and no mine detection devices, positioning himself in front of his team to shield them from incoming fire. Reaching the injured Marine, Captain Sferrazza assisted his lead pararescue medic and quickly prepared the Marine for evacuation. All the while, he maintained radio contact with the insertion aircraft, sending vital updates about the ongoing firefight and threats on the ground. Once the Marine was ready for evacuation, he again led his team back through the harrowing 100-meter stretch of open terrain.

Captain Sferrazza’s gallant actions and disregard for his own safety throughout the mission ensured the survival of the wounded Marine, but that single mission was only one highlight of his day-to-day work. Throughout his deployment, Captain Sferrazza flew 315 missions, saved 60 service members, and treated more than 450 others.

For his selfless actions and leadership, Captain Sferrazza was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with Valor.