VALOR DENIED For Stinger 41
Help Us petition The LOST AWARDS
50 YEARS LATER, AIR FORCE DENIES STINGER 41 HEROES
The Facts: The crew of AC-119K Stinger 41 exhibited extraordinary valor on May 2, 1972. Yet, recent attempts to correct their records have met with rejection:
The documentation exists. The heroism is proven. The 2024 disapproval is a final administrative injustice that only a Secretary-level review can overcome. We respectfully ask Undersecretary Lohmeier to personally exercise his authority to direct a final, top-level Secretarial Review of the Stinger 41 case, correct these military records, and finally award these brave men the full decorations they earned in defense of their crew and country.
How You Can Help
Appeal to Undersecretary Lohmeier Via "X".
Or mail A physical Letter to Secretary Meink
If you do not have an X (formerly Twitter) account, you will be prompted to create one. Follow the simple instructions provided to complete the account creation process, and then you will be able to send your message.
29th Under Secretary of the Air Force.
MATTHEW L. LOHMEIER
@matthewlohmeier
Crucial: Use this handle to tag him directly in posts. The sources confirm this is the handle he used for political commentary prior to his appointment.
Copy and Paste the following text and Post it on "X" Formerly Twitter
@matthewlohmeier: The Stinger 41 Vietnam heroes were denied earned valor awards in 2024 despite evidence. We urgently ask you to direct a Secretarial Review to correct this injustice & honor their service. Full story: https://www.stinger41.com #Stinger41LostAwards #USAF #Valor
Stinger 41 Facebook Posts
AC-119 Start-Up and preparing for mission, photo from Cliff Groves collection A-1 Skyraider Pilot NKP 1971-72
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Crew Members of Stinger 41
Pilot - KIA
Capt Terrence F. Courtney
Recommended for the Medal of Honor
Received the Air Force Cross (1972)
Navigator - KIA
Capt David R. Slagle
Recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross w/Valor
Downgraded to an Air Medal (2022)
Illuminator Operator - KIA
SSgt Kenneth R. Brown,
Recommended for the Silver Star
Downgraded to a Distinguished Flying Cross (2022)
Copilot
1Lt Jim R. Barkalow
(Deceased) Recommended for the Silver Star Award disapproved (2024)
Flight Engineer
SSgt Allen W. Bare,
(Deceased) Recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross w/Valor Award disapproved (2024)
Navigator/NOS
1Lt Larry D. Barbee,
Recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross w/Valor Award disapproved (2024)
Lead Gunner
SSgt Francis J. Sledzinski
Recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross w/Valor Award disapproved (2024)
Navigator/FLIR
Lt Col Byron J. Taschioglou
(Deceased) Recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross w/Valor Award disapproved (2024)
Gunner
A1C Richard C. Corbett,
Recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross w/Valor Award disapproved (2024)
Gunner
SSgt Delanor E. Iman
Recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross w/Valor Award disapproved (2022)
