Kirtland colonel receives Bronze Star Published July 25, 2007 By J. Rich Garcia 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- The Bronze Star Medal was presented here July 12 at 3 p.m. to recognize the accomplishments of Col. Douglas J. Hine, deputy director of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate, for his service in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Maj. Gen. Ted F. Bowlds, Air Force Research Laboratory commander, presented the medal. During Colonel Hine's deployment, as commander of the 755th Expeditionary Mission Support Group of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, he was engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force in Afghanistan. He commanded and controlled more than 800 Airmen at 19 locations directly supporting U.S. Army operations. The colonel was cited for overseeing the first use of medical technicians aboard HH-60 helicopters, conducting medical evacuation missions, flying 221 combat sorties, saving 100 lives and maintaining a 95 percent mission capable rate. While exposed to danger from hostile fire, Colonel Hine conducted 16 convoy missions and one armed reconnaissance mission. He improved the group's ability to survive on the battlefield by initiating combat skills training; improving convoy tactics, techniques and procedures; and directing force protection measures. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving with the U.S. Army, distinguishes himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. Aerial flight is not involved but included are military operations against an armed enemy or engagements in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force.