Staff Sergeant Joseph M. Lienhard

Staff Sergeant Joseph M. Lienhard earned the Silver Star for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Combat Controller during Operation Enduring Freedom. While attached to a Special Forces team, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to direct precision airstrikes and coordinate close air support against numerically superior enemy forces. His actions disrupted enemy attacks, protected coalition personnel, and prevented friendly forces from being overrun during a critical engagement. Lienhard's courage, expert leadership, and unwavering devotion to his teammates exemplified the highest traditions of the United States Air Force and Special Warfare community.