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Pararescue Corps Michael Spradlin: A Profile in Courage and Sacrifice

Marcel Proust

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Michael Spradlin was born in 1982 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was the son of a military family, and he grew up with a strong sense of patriotism. Spradlin was a natural leader, and he was always willing to help others. He was also an avid outdoorsman, and he loved spending time hiking, camping, and fishing.

Pararescue Corps

by Michael P. Spradlin

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
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After graduating from high school, Spradlin attended the United States Air Force Academy. He graduated in 2004 with a degree in astronautical engineering. Spradlin then went on to complete the Pararescue Indoctrination Course. Pararescuemen are elite combat search and rescue specialists who are trained to rescue downed pilots and other personnel in hostile environments.

Spradlin was assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron, which is based at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, where he served as a combat search and rescue team leader. Spradlin was involved in numerous combat operations, and he earned a reputation for his bravery and skill.

On March 4, 2010, Spradlin was part of a team that was sent to rescue a downed pilot in Afghanistan. The pilot was trapped in a remote area that was heavily defended by enemy forces. Spradlin's team was able to reach the pilot, but they were then ambushed by enemy forces. Spradlin was shot and killed in the ensuing firefight.

Spradlin was awarded the Air Force Cross for his actions. The Air Force Cross is the second-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Air Force. Spradlin's award citation reads:

For extraordinary heroism and self-sacrifice in the line of duty during combat search and rescue operations in Afghanistan on March 4, 2010. While serving as a combat search and rescue team leader, Master Sergeant Spradlin led his team into a hostile area to recover a downed pilot. Despite intense enemy fire, Master Sergeant Spradlin and his team fought their way to the pilot and extracted him to safety. As they were leaving the area, Master Sergeant Spradlin was shot and killed by enemy fire. Master Sergeant Spradlin's extraordinary heroism and self-sacrifice saved the life of the downed pilot and brought great credit to the United States Air Force.

Spradlin was a true hero who died while trying to save the life of another. He was a loving son, brother, and husband. He was also a dedicated airman who served his country with distinction. Spradlin's legacy will live on forever.

Michael Spradlin In Uniform Pararescue Corps Michael P Spradlin

Additional Information

Spradlin was the first Pararescueman to be killed in action in Afghanistan.
Spradlin was posthumously promoted to Master Sergeant.
Spradlin was awarded the Air Force Cross, the Purple Heart, and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
Spradlin is survived by his wife, Melissa, and his two children, Michael Jr. and Madison.

Legacy

Spradlin's legacy lives on through the Michael Spradlin Foundation. The foundation provides support to the families of fallen Pararescuemen and other special operations personnel. The foundation also provides scholarships to children of fallen military members.

Spradlin is also remembered through the Michael Spradlin Memorial Run. The run is held annually in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The run raises money for the Michael Spradlin Foundation.

Michael Spradlin was a true hero who died while trying to save the life of another. He was a loving son, brother, and husband. He was also a dedicated airman who served his country with distinction. Spradlin's legacy will live on forever.

Pararescue Corps

by Michael P. Spradlin

4.9 out of 5