Senior Airmen Byrne (left), Dinkelacker (center), and Antezana (right) is awarded the Purple Heart medal at Moffett Air National Guard Base, Calif., Oct. 5, 2024, for his actions in Jordan following the Tower 22 atttack. (National Guard/DVIDS)
Earlier this year, on January 28, a remote US military base in Jordan, known as Tower22, came under a devastating drone attack by an Iranian-backed militia.
The attack resulted in the deaths of three US Army soldiers and left more than 40 others injured. Amidst this chaos, three airmen—Staff Sgt. Michael Byrne, Senior Airman Herland Antezana, and Staff Sgt. Dustin Dinkelacker—displayed courage, resilience, and selflessness.
Recently, these three airmen from the 129th Rescue Wing at Moffett Air National Guard Base in California were awarded the Purple Heart for their bravery and the injuries they sustained during the attack.
The Attack and Its Immediate Aftermath
The drone attack on Tower 22 was unlike anything the base had experienced before.
Between October 2023 and January 2024, US and coalition facilities in Iraq and Syria had been attacked over 150 times, but this incident was the first in Jordan and tragically claimed American lives.
The attack sent shockwaves through the base, catching everyone off guard.
For Byrne, Antezana, and Dinkelacker, the moment of impact was surreal, and the severity of the situation quickly set in.
As explosions rocked the base, the three airmen were knocked unconscious by the blast. When they regained consciousness, they were disoriented, surrounded by debris, fire, and fellow injured comrades.
Earlier this year, on January 28, a remote US military base in Jordan, known as Tower22, came under a devastating drone attack by an Iranian-backed militia.
The attack resulted in the deaths of three US Army soldiers and left more than 40 others injured. Amidst this chaos, three airmen—Staff Sgt. Michael Byrne, Senior Airman Herland Antezana, and Staff Sgt. Dustin Dinkelacker—displayed courage, resilience, and selflessness.
Recently, these three airmen from the 129th Rescue Wing at Moffett Air National Guard Base in California were awarded the Purple Heart for their bravery and the injuries they sustained during the attack.
The Attack and Its Immediate Aftermath
The drone attack on Tower 22 was unlike anything the base had experienced before.
Between October 2023 and January 2024, US and coalition facilities in Iraq and Syria had been attacked over 150 times, but this incident was the first in Jordan and tragically claimed American lives.
The attack sent shockwaves through the base, catching everyone off guard.
For Byrne, Antezana, and Dinkelacker, the moment of impact was surreal, and the severity of the situation quickly set in.
As explosions rocked the base, the three airmen were knocked unconscious by the blast. When they regained consciousness, they were disoriented, surrounded by debris, fire, and fellow injured comrades.
In the face of immense danger, their training kicked in, and their first instinct was to find each other and help others in the wreckage.
Despite their injuries and the chaos around them, these airmen put the lives of their comrades first, going door-to-door to search for survivors and injured personnel.
“We ran into the center of where it happened,” Byrne recalled. “At that point, we realized this isn’t a training thing. This is real life.”
The trio’s heroic actions saved lives, and they continued assisting others while delaying attention to their own injuries until additional medical personnel arrived.
“When you go through a situation like that, you revert back to your training,” he added.
The Courage of the 129th Rescue Wing
The 129th Rescue Wing has a proud history of service and sacrifice, and the January 28 attack exemplified the unit’s unwavering commitment to its mission.
These airmen’s actions on that day highlighted not just their personal bravery but the collective resilience of the unit. Their refusal to succumb to the physical and mental toll of the attack is a testament to the deep sense of duty ingrained in every member of the armed forces.
For Byrne, who once saw himself as “just a mechanic,” the events of that day brought a new understanding of the importance of every role in the military. “Don’t downplay your job once you get in,” he emphasized. “Everyone is important.”
Three American soldiers were killed in a drone attack in Jordan at a US military base known as Tower 22. Here’s what we know about the attack ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Hkh9yJxCbq
For Byrne, Antezana, and Dinkelacker, this honor acknowledges not only their injuries but also the selfless bravery they exhibited in the face of overwhelming danger.
On Saturday (October 5), Maj. Gen. Steven Butow, commander of the California Air National Guard, presented the airmen with their Purple Hearts at Moffett Air National Guard Base.
This award is not only a recognition of the physical injuries they sustained but also of the mental and emotional strength they displayed during the attack and its aftermath.
In receiving the Purple Heart, these airmen joined the ranks of countless other heroes throughout history who have put their lives on the line for their country and their comrades.
Honoring the Fallen and Continuing the Mission
While the Purple Heart ceremony honored these three brave airmen, it also served as a solemn reminder of the cost of military service.
Three soldiers—Sgt. William Rivers (46), Spc. Kennedy Sanders (24), and Spc. Breonna Moffett (23)—lost their lives in the January 28 attack.
Each of these soldiers was posthumously promoted, and their memory lives on in the hearts of their families and comrades.
In the days and weeks following the attack, US military and government officials raised concerns about how the militia group had managed to evade US detection and anti-drone defenses.
Lawmakers have called for a closer look into the vulnerabilities exposed by the attack, seeking to prevent future incidents.
As the military continues to adapt and evolve in response to such threats, the actions of Byrne, Antezana, and Dinkelacker serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who serve. Their bravery during the January 28 attack exemplifies the highest values of the US armed forces.
Concluding Thoughts: A Legacy of Heroism
The awarding of the Purple Heart to Staff Sgt. Michael Byrne, Senior Airman Herland Antezana, and Staff Sgt. Dustin Dinkelacker is a recognition of their valor in the face of danger. Their actions during the January 28 drone attack not only saved lives but also embodied the spirit of service that defines the US military.
As they continue their recovery and return to duty, their story is one of resilience, honor, and selflessness.
These airmen remind us that in the most difficult of times, it is the courage and determination of individuals that truly make a difference. Their legacy of heroism will inspire future generations of service members to stand strong in the face of adversity.
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