In the largest air-to-air engagement in 50 years, Air Force fighter crews shot down hundreds of Iranian drones.

The Air Force's first female airman received the Silver Star for her role in shooting down dozens of Iranian drones headed to Israel.

Air Force Lt. Col. Timothy “Diesel” Causey was one of six service members to receive a Distinguished Flying Cross with valor on Nov. 12, 2024, for his actions to defend Israel against an Iranian air attack on April 13-14. (Loretto Morris/Stars and Stripes)

The Air Force has awarded the Silver Star to a female airman for her role in shooting down more than 80 Iranian drones during Iran's missile and drone attack on Israel in mid-April.

The Air Force has awarded the Silver Star to a female airman for the first time following her role in the shootdown of more than 80 Iranian drones that were part of Iran's large missile and drone attack on Israel in mid-April.