KY National Guard History

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2000s

In chronological order.

SFC ROGER L. CALVERT
Battery B
2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery
Kentucky Army National Guard
Carlisle, Kentucky

29 June 2004
For demonstrating extreme dedication, heroism and compassion for a fellow citizen in distress. While driving to work on the morning of March 22, 2004, on state highway 330, Sergeant First Class Roger L. Calvert came upon a two vehicle accident. With total disregard for his own safety and well being, he risked his life to pull an unconscious civilian from a burning vehicle. While the flames were spreading from the rear of the car towards the passenger compartment, he pulled away sheet metal that was blocking access to the car, reached into the vehicle and beat out the flames that had started to reach the driver. With the help of another individual, he wrenched open the door. He then pulled the driver out and carried him to safety just as the car was engulfed in flames. His actions are in keeping with the very highest military traditions of valor and self sacrifice, and reflect great credit upon himself.

SPC CALEB M. WILLIAMS
DET 1 HHC 1/149TH IN BN (MECH)
25 March 2006
Barbourville, Kentucky

On 27 September 2005 while performing duties in Louisiana as part of the Hurricane Katrina Relief effort SPC Williams’ quick reactions, bravery and selflessness allowed him to save the life of another. While on roving patrol around the Baton Rouge Civic Center, which was serving as a shelter for displaced families, SPC Williams saw a man standing on the railroad tracks, in the path of an oncoming train, in an apparent suicide attempt. Disregarding his own safety he ran to the man, and pulled him from danger and detained him until police arrived. SPC Williams’ act was witnessed by other soldiers and members of the police who were unable to react due to their distance from the man. SPC Williams acted without orders and is single handedly responsible for saving the man’s life.

For valor in performance of duty while performing security for the Hurricane relief effort. By acting quickly and without regard for his own personal safety SPC Williams saved the life of another man. SPC Williams’ actions are in the highest traditions of the Kentucky National Guard and demonstrate every one of the Army Values. SPC Williams’ actions reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the Kentucky National Guard, and the United States Army.

CPT WILLOUGHBY S. GOIN
UNIT
Awarded 06 December 2007
Frankfort, Kentucky
(Rank shown is rank at the time of the event. Current rank is LTC (R)).

For heroism involving voluntary risk of life on 29 January 1978, following an automobile accident in Pineville, Kentucky. These Kentucky guardsmen responded when called upon to assist in efforts to transport Miss Kathy Campbell from Pineville to Lexington, Kentucky in an effort to save her life. Overcoming extremely hazardous conditions the crew was able to safely and successfully complete the mission. Their courageous actions and concern for human life brings great credit upon themselves and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Kentucky National Guard.

Kentucky Adjutant General Donald C. Storm presents the Kentucky Medal of Valor to Harmon Cross, Lloyd Bailey and Willoughby Goin for their actions nearly 30 years ago. (photo by KG-PAO)

W01 LLOYD B. BAILEY
UNIT
Awarded 06 December 2007
Frankfort, Kentucky
(Rank shown is rank at the time of the event. Current rank is CW2(R)).

SSG HARMON D. CROSS
HHC 201st Engineer Battalion, Ashland, Ky.
Awarded 06 December 2007
Frankfort, Kentucky
(Rank and Unit shown were at the time of the event. Current rank is MSG).

NOTE: MSG Harmon D. Cross is the only known individual to receive the Kentucky Medal for Valor twice. The first event was during April 1977 and the second in January 1978. The first award was presented in the fall of 1977. His second award for events transpiring in January 1978 was not presented until December 2007. You can view his second citation by clicking here: Recipients 1970s

Captain Jean W. DeConstant

Capt Jean W. DeConstant
Awarded 24 June 2008
Louisville, Kentucky

For heroism involving voluntary risk of life on 10 March 1959, following the crash of an Eastern Air Lines aircraft at Standiford Field, Louisville, Kentucky. Captain DeConstant and his fellow Kentucky Air Guardsmen overcame extremely hazardous conditions to safely and successfully safe the lives of 32 passengers and crew of the overturned and burning aircraft. Captain DeConstant's courageous actions and concern for human life brings great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Kentucky National Guard.

capt jean deconstant ky valor citation

Capt DeConstant's Kentucky Medal for Valor Citation

SSG James P. Lovelace
Awarded 24 June 2008
Louisville, Kentucky

For heroism involving voluntary risk of life on 10 March 1959, following the crash of an Eastern Air Lines aircraft at Standiford Field, Louisville, Kentucky. Staff Sergeant James P. Lovelace and his fellow Kentucky Air Guardsmen overcame extremely hazardous conditions to safely and successfully safe the lives of 32 passengers and crew of the overturned and burning aircraft. Staff Sergeant Lovelace's courageous actions and concern for human life brings great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Kentucky National Guard.

SSG James P Lovelace Kentucky Medal for Valor Citation

TSgt Malcolm T. Bowen
Awarded 24 June 2008
Louisville, Kentucky

For heroism involving voluntary risk of life on 10 March 1959, following the crash of an Eastern Air Lines aircraft at Standiford Field, Louisville, Kentucky. Technical Sergeant Malcolm T. Bowen and his fellow Kentucky Air Guardsmen overcame extremely hazardous conditions to safely and successfully safe the lives of 32 passengers and crew of the overturned and burning aircraft. Technical Sergeant Bowen's courageous actions and concern for human life brings great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Kentucky National Guard.

TSgt Malcom T Bowen Kentucky Medal for Valor Citation

A1C James R. Mack
Awarded 24 June 2008
Louisville, Kentucky

For heroism involving voluntary risk of life on 10 March 1959, following the crash of an Eastern Air Lines aircraft at Standiford Field, Louisville, Kentucky. Airman First Class James R. Mack and his fellow Kentucky Air Guardsmen overcame extremely hazardous conditions to safely and successfully safe the lives of 32 passengers and crew of the overturned and burning aircraft. Airman First Class Mack's courageous actions and concern for human life brings great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Kentucky National Guard.

A1C Mack's Valor Citation

A1C Mack's Kentucky Medal for Valor Citation

SGT Michael A Clary
Awarded 9 October 2009
Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center

For exceptional valor and courage during Operation Winter Storm 2009. In the pre-dawn hours of 4 February 2009, Sergeant Clary displayed unparalleled initiative and heroism in the rescue of four teenagers stranded atop a vehicle submerged in freezing water.

KY Adjutant General awards KY Medal for Valor

Kentucky Medal of Valor recipient Sgt. Michael Clary stands with Daviess County Sheriff Keith Cain and Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky Adjutant General, after an award ceremony Oct. 9, at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center. Clary received the Medal of Valor after assisting with the rescue of four Daviess County teenagers stranded on top of a vehicle in an icy water-filled ravine during the Ice Storm of 2009.

2LT John L. McMahan
617th Military Police Company
Awarded 10 February 2010

For exceptional courage and heroism during the morning of 27 January 2010. Without regard for his own live, he plunged into the freezing water of Lotts Creek to rescue a severely injured woman who was trapped in an overturned vehicle. The first to arrive on the scene, LT McMahan entered the unstable vehicle to render first aid to its injured occupant, standing in the frigid water for more than 30 minutes until firefighters arrived and were able to extricate her. LT McMahan then assisted the rescue workers by helping to carry the driver out of the stream. His calm professionalism and skilled actions during the rescue were responsible for saving the life of another. Second Lieutenant McMahan's quick thinking, heroic action, and complete disregard for his own personal safety reflects great credit upon himself, the Kentucky National Guard, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

SGT Matthew S. Hamilton

SGT Matthew S. Hamilton
HHC, 206th Engineer Battalion
Awarded 7 November 2010

For exceptional valor and courage during Operation Winter Storm 2009. In the pre-dawn hours of 4 February 2009, Sergeant Hamilton displayed unparalleled initiative and heroism in the rescue of four teenagers stranded atop a vehicle submerged in freezing water. Without regard for his own life, Sergeant Hamilton drove his vehicle through icy waters of unknown depth, skillfully maneuvering close enough to the submerged vehicle that the four teenagers could be brought to safety. Had the teenagers remained in the sub zero temperatures they would have perished. His actions reflect the very highest standards of military valor and reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force Sapper, and the Kentucky National Guard

SFC Marshall A. Hehl
Joint Support Operations
Awarded 7 November 2010

For heroism involving voluntary risk of life on 4 August 2010 when the pilot of a Civil Air Patrol flight lost consciousness in London, Kentucky. SFC Hehl took control of the plane in efforts to save the lives of the pilot and himself. Overcoming extremely hazardous conditions, he flew the plane over sixty miles and safely landed the plan at the London-Corbin Airport. His courageous actions and concern for human life brings great credit upon himself, the Join Support Operations Counterdrug Program, the Kentucky Army National Guard and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.