NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland — Airmen who helped with the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021 may still receive Presidential Unit Citations for their courage, after a four-star general confirmed that he is pushing for the awards.
Gen. Mike Minihan, the head of Air Mobility Command, told reporters during a media roundtable Monday that it’s a top priority to get those airmen the recognition they deserve.
“With a lot of hard work, there’s been some exceptional recognition including individually and in units, but it is not at all where I want it to be,” Minihan said in response to a Military.com question. “So, there is lots of work that remains on units and individuals including the Presidential Unit Citations … but what I intend moving forward is to take those units, those individuals, and sponsor those all the way up.”
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In a follow-up email late Tuesday evening, Air Mobility Command spokeswoman Jessica Brown told Military.com that Minihan “immediately got to work ensuring those who participated were properly recognized for their extraordinary contributions to this nation” but added he is working to get even more decorations for airmen connected to the mission.
“While many have been recognized with Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Stars and unit awards,…
