Pararescuemen(also known as PJs) are United States Air Force special operators who conduct personnel recovery and combat search and rescue operations as well as other missions for the U.S. military and its allies. Highly trained special operators, PJs are generally assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and Air Combat Command (ACC).
U.S. Air Force Pararescue personnel assigned to Baghdad International Airport (BIAP), perform a hoist extraction of a survivor during an Urban Operations Training Exercise (UOTE) at the Maltz training site, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003.
Special Tactics Pararescue Aircrew, Jordanian Armed Force Special Task Force, and Italian special operations forces pull a simulated casualty out of the Al Biadia Cave Complex during a personnel rescue mission for Eager Lion in Mafraq Province, Jordan.
Curtiss C-46 'Commando' over the Himalayas
The Air Force Cross (AFC) is the United States Air Force and United States Space Force's second highest military decoration for airmen and guardians who distinguish themselves with extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. The medal is awarded to any person, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force or Space Force, who distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism, not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor.
SSgt Zachary Rhyner receiving the Air Force Cross from Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley.