Stinger 41 Lost Awards
Just a quick update on the Stinger 41 lost awards as of September 11, 2025. The AC-119 Gunship Association has been fighting for nearly four years to have the long-lost awards for Stinger 41’s crew properly approved and presented. The most recent package was written by a former Secretary of the Air Force and carried the endorsements of twenty-four general officers, a U.S. Senator, and the former Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command.
Despite this overwhelming support, the Secretary of the Air Force Decorations Board downgraded two awards and outright disapproved seven others. This decision is indefensible. The heroism and valor of these men have already been established beyond dispute. What remains is for the Air Force to do its duty—uphold its own standards of fairness, correct this miscarriage of justice, and restore honor where it is due.
Anything less not only dishonors the courage and sacrifice of Stinger 41’s crew, but erodes confidence in the integrity of the entire awards system.
Justice delayed for Stinger 41 is justice denied. These warriors deserve timely, accurate, and impartial recognition—not excuses, bureaucratic obstruction, or continued neglect.
Below is a link to an article just posted on the Air & Space Force Association’s online and hard copy magazines. It is powerful and accurately written. We wanted you to hear this from the Association.
We continue to fight for – and will not forget – these AC-119 Brothers and their families.
Feel free to share this information.
President Bill Petrie and Roy Davis
Air & Space Forces Online Article