USAF MSgt. Clifford Teel Awarded Second Bronze Star

November 2, 2026

USAF MSgt. Clifford Teel received his second Bronze Star medal for meritorious achievement and performance of duties, while under significant risk during his deployment to the Central Command area of responsibility from March 30 to October 7, 2025. This period coincided with the beginning and end of the Twelve-Dar War.

“I believe we’re put where we’re needed,” Teel said. “And at that time, for some reason, I was needed there.”

During the deployment, Clifford Teel served as the assistant first sergeant for the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. While leading emergency response protocols, he accounted for 299 Airmen, sustained command and control over a ground transportation team, and enabled the successful relocation of 3,000 joint warfighters to safe havens during a missile attack. His actions earned him the nickname "the shuttle demon" and demonstrated a commitment to his team's well-being.

“We need to understand that we are all important, all necessary and need to be ready to fight together,” said Teel.

MSgt. Clifford Teel received his first Bronze Star medal, while deployed in Afghanistan early in his career.

Image created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Air Force photo by SrA Benjamin Riddle.

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