On July 31, 2008, a B-1 crew's actions in support of ground forces in Afghanistan distinguished them for "one of the most important awards in the United States Air Force," according to the National Aeronautic Association. The crew of BONE 23, 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, was contacted to support troops who were facing an attempted overrun of their base by a force of 200 enemy combatants. The specific request came from the Joint Terminal Attack Controller for delivery of a 2000-pound guided weapon to a location where friendly forces were in Danger Close range. The B-1 crew responded by suggesting they instead deliver a 500-pound guided weapon and, facing a critical fuel situation, coordinated with their tanker to provide more time on station. Within 30 minutes, the BONE 23 crew, including Major Norman Shelton, Captain Kaylene Giri, Captain Louis Heidema, and First Lieutenant Boyd Smith, had made three bomb runs, "decisively slowing the enemy attack" according to the NAA, and allowing for coalition ground forces to regroup.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/news/mackay-trophy-honors-b-1-crew