Senior Airman Christopher G. Dunn, while assigned to the Air Force Special Operations Command 21 January 2003, distinguished himself as a .50 caliber Heavy Weapons Fire Team Leader. He joined multiple Special Forces units and other covert entities to join the initial invasion force for OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. As a Heavy Weapons Fire Team Leader, he played a key role in supporting Air and Ground Combat Operations by running Convoys into Western Iraq from Jordan. During these convoys, Airman Dunn suppressed engagement from numerous enemy forces through direct fire fights from small groups of insurgents trying to slow US Forces progress into Baghdad. His combat proven capabilities under fire led the Defense Force Commander to hand pick Airman Dunn as 50 cal Heavy Weapons for support for numerous other Special Operations missions. While the specific missions and friendly agencies remain classified, his responsibilities entailed escorting essential life saving medical supplies and provisions to native Bedouins for humanitarian relief efforts as small arms attacks and defensive engagement was involved on these missions that took place through March, 2003. During April and May, 2003, Airman Dunn provided security at an abandoned Iraqi prison camp used by approximately 300 Special Operations Forces. They used this remote location as a forward holding area for “snatch and grab” counter-terrorism operations and intelligence gathering. As a 50 caliber Heavy Weapons Fire Team Leader, Airman Dunn sighted in heavy weapon emplacements and conducted both mounted and dismounted patrols with coalition forces to establish footholds in hostile areas in Iraq. While securing a Dam outside Baghdad with a Ranger Battalion, insurgents ambushed friendly forces. Despite sustaining heavy casualties, Airman Dunn suppressed enemies for 45 minutes, which enabled a successful extraction and saved the lives of 20 American forces. Through aggressive patrolling and the defense of classified locations and airfields, Airman Dunn deterred numerous threats from Iraqi insurgents against the tactical area of responsibility through direct engagement with the enemy; thousands of rounds of .50 caliber ammunition were expended. His superior heavy weapon skill minimized the post invasion terrorist attacks and kept classified missions running continuously. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Dunn reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.