U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presents the Bronze Star Medal to Master Sgt. Cory Haggett, a special tactics operator with the 23d Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, during a ceremony May 13, 2022, at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Haggett was also presented the Silver Star during the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Charles)
On Jan. 28, 2017, an assault force set out for a direct-action raid deep into enemy territory near Yemen. Following an eight-kilometer infill to the set point, the assault force immediately took heavy and effective fire. One Airman, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cory Haggett, a Pararescueman with the 24th Special Operations Wing, with disregard for his own life, quickly moved to help a teammate struck in the chest by small-arms fire.
Over five years later, a ceremony was held to present Hagget a Silver Star Medal for his heroic actions rendering aid to multiple teammates, and a Bronze Star Medal for actions in Afghanistan during a 2019 deployment.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presided over the ceremony, with guest speaker U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Daniels, commander of the 24th Special Operations Wing.
“MSgt Haggett’s extraordinary actions on Jan. 28, 2017, and over his fall 2019 deployment, add to the command’s legacy of courage under fire, and represent a relentless drive and ability to perform under the most difficult of circumstances,” said Daniels. “Today, we recognize Haggett as he joins a long line of warriors from this wing and command who have built a reputation for tenacity and valor in combat against our nation’s enemies.”
The citations for both the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medal were read in front of Haggett’s family including his parents, retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgts. Lisa and Steve Haggett, and his brother, U.S. Air Force Maj. Craig Haggett, executive officer with the 8th Special Operations Squadron, friends, and members of the Special Tactics community.
During his remarks, Slife likened Haggett to Jimmy Doolittle.
“Both Jimmy Doolittle and MSgt. Cory Haggett combine natural talent, training and life experiences to prepare themselves, and when the bright spotlight of history landed on them, they were ready to make the most of the opportunity,” said Slife. “Their actions were no accident; they were the product of lifelong commitments to excellence.”
The ceremony included a flyover by two F-35A Lightning IIs from the 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and a special rendition of the National Anthem by Haggett’s wife, Mrs. Lauren Haggett.
“Master Sgt. Haggett, you have repeatedly set the example as the right Airman, in the right place, at the right time. This will be evident by the fact we are not only pinning a Silver Star, but a Bronze Star for a completely different set of circumstances,” said Slife. “Thank you for being our exemplar, showing us what right looks like, and being the embodiment of a quiet professional.”
