HOF Members

Colonel (retired) John T. Carney, Jr is hereby inducted into the Combat Control Association Hall of Fame in recognition of his exemplary and distinguished service to the Nation, the United States Air Force, and the United States Special Operations Command while serving as a Combat Control Officer. Colonel Carney had a legendary career in Combat Control and was singularly responsible for the career field’s meteoric rise in capability and acceptance in the US Air Force airlift and Joint Special Operations communities. He was directly involved in the planning and conduct of virtually every combat operation conducted by the United States from 1976 until his retirement in 1991. Known with respect and admiration within all circles of joint special operations as the “Coach,” Colonel Carney’s leadership, dogged determination, and his passion for the business made him one of our most unforgettable members. In retirement Colonel Carney has continued to mentor and help guide the follow on generations of combat control. He has served for over 16 years as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Special Operation Warrior Foundation and it should be no surprise that he has lead that organization to the pinnacle of success providing unmatched educational opportunities to the surviving children of our special operations brethren. Colonel Carney’s many accomplishments and superior service are in the highest traditions of Combat Control and reflect great credit on himself and our Association.

Since the very beginning, Chief Master Sergeant (retired) James A. Howell has been a Combat Control Leader. He began championing Combat Control back in 1952, when he attended the Army Pathfinder School. This soon led to an assignment as a member of the first Combat Control Team at Donaldson AFB, SC. Chief Howell’s accomplishments are legendary, beginning with the first live super-sonic ejection using rocket power in 1961, followed closely in 1963 with the World Record High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) parachute jump. These early exploits blazed a path for this fledgling career field that initially struggled to promote its specific skill set, gain recognition, and conduct key missions. In 1967, Chief Howell served his “Tour of Duty” in Vietnam, and later became Chief of the Team in the Philippines, which was a launching point for his missions in South East Asia. Chief Howell also managed and deployed on multiple combat missions to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. These missions created many of the Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures used today, such as those in use by Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) and Forward Air Controllers (FACs). Chief Howell served several times as Chief Enlisted Manager at Hurlburt AFB, along with assignments at McChord AFB, WA, England AFB, LA, Lockbourne AFB, IL, Clark AB, RP and Brand X, (no location assigned). His more than 30 years of exemplary service to the United States Air Force and Combat Control clearly illustrates his effectiveness as a devoted Air Force professional. These actions, in turn greatly enhanced the effectiveness of the United States Air Force, and particularly Combat Control.

Chief Master Sergeant (retired) Michael I. Lampe has distinguished himself in the service to this nation for twenty-eight years rising to the position of United States Special Operations Command Chief. Chief Lampe’s unrivaled leadership and valor while executing combat operations spanning Laos and Vietnam in support of Project 404 to the high-risk hostage rescue Operation EAGLE CLAW in the deserts of Iran to contested airborne infiltrations into Grenada (Operation URGENT FURY) and Panama (Operation JUST CAUSE) represent the quintessential Combat Control warrior. Chief Lampe’s quick response with the joint team and his actions during two terrorist hijackings of the cruise ship Achille Lauro and TWA flight 847 in 1985 culminated with his selection as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen for the Air Force in 1986. He culminated his career serving as Command Chief, the principal advisor on enlisted matters, for a total of six years to three different commanders, General’s Stiner, Downing and Shelton, which is unprecedented for any Airman to this day. Through it all, Chief Lampe has been the epitome of a warrior, leader, teammate and friend for all Air Commando’s and Special Operations Forces and was supported by an amazing wife, Theresa, while raising their three sons throughout his remarkable career.

Chief Master Sergeant (retired) Wayne Norrad began his career as a United States Air Force Special Tactics Combat Controller in 1971. From then on he has participated in the planning and execution of some our Nation’s most sensitive operations conducted in Cambodia, Panama, Kuwait, and Iraq, to include JUST CAUSE and DESERT SHIELD AND DESERT STORM. Chief Norrad injected special tactics capabilities into the formation of our Nation’s premier joint special operations team while developing High-Altitude High-Opening parachute tactics and integrating air/ground assets to safely and successfully employ joint special operations forces onto the battle field. Chief Norrad was chosen as the first Chief Enlisted Manager of the 720th Special Tactics Group. Later, he provided pivotal guidance during the transition of 23rd Air Force to Air Force Special Operations Command. His savvy for practical application and leadership abilities enabled his selection in 1992 as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command. Chief Norrad’s sage insight led to multiple enduring processes in special tactics, such as the creation of special duty assignment pay, codifying battlefield lessons into procedures, enabling the “Valor” device for Air Force Commendation and Achievement medals, enhancing combat control, Pararescue and special operations weather recruiting and initiating the title and developing the design for the Air Force Command Chief chevron putting Air Force senior enlisted leaders on the same executive level as their sister service contemporaries. Currently, as an Air Force civilian employee, he relies on his forty-plus years of service to shape special operations and serve the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Air Commando Association, and Combat Control Association.

ALBERT G. “GENE” ADCOCK

Chief Master Sergeant (retired) Albert Eugene “Gene” Adcock distinguished himself through extraordinary contributions to United States Air Force, Special Tactics Combat Control Teams over more than 50 years.  Beginning in 1958 when he was first assigned to a CCT and an active duty career that would last 18 years. His dedicated and exceptional service as a Combat Control Team Leader has had a tremendous influence on the U.S. Air Force, the Special Operations community, and the United States Air Force. As a result of his tireless efforts during six combat tours in Southeast Asia, the unique role of the combat controller was greatly enhanced in supporting close air support missions of U.S. Air Force and allied air forces in Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. Chief Adcock not only performed air traffic control for high intensity combat operations on a daily basis, but was tasked with developing a Forward Air Guide training program for the Royal Lao Army. The Forward Air Guide training program was rated outstanding by the tasking agency at the American Embassy in Laos. After retirement from the Air Force in 1977, Chief Adcock continued his close association with Special Operations and Combat Control Teams. It was during his thirty-two year civil career that he had the greatest impact on DOD and SOF equipment – specifically in the covert night vision arena. In 2002, he co-founded and co-operated the Combat Control School Heritage Foundation (CCSHF) at Pope Air Field, North Carolina. Today, after more than ten years in a leadership role, he continues to serve the CCSHF as its President.  Of remarkable importance are his tireless efforts in raising thousands of dollars to support the operation of the CCSHF and Benini Heritage Museum. Chief Adcock has authored two CCT history books, documenting CCT historical exploits from their earliest beginning through the Global War on Terrorism. For time immemorial, his books will serve as written testimony to the proud heritage of our unique brand of special tactics airmen. Among his many service and combat awards are the Bronze Star Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/Combat V and six Oak Leaf Clusters, Aircrew Wings (combat award) and the Master Parachutist Wings, with combat star. CMSgt Adcock’s outstanding and significant contributions reflect great credit upon himself, the Special Tactics Combat Control Community and the United States Air Force.

Colonel Craig F. Brotchie distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United  States during a long and exemplary career. Colonel Brotchie’s accomplishments as a combat controller span over twenty years from early beginnings as a Special Tactics Team leader through every command echelon of combat control and special tactics leadership. As he advanced through Detachment and Squadron commands he always left those units better organized trained and equipped to meet their operational requirements. He was consistently hand-picked for ground breaking leadership roles to ensure a top-notch combat control force was combat ready for world-wide deployment. His ability to conceptualize joint plans and tactics, as a Joint Special Operations  Command planner, allowed him to successfully manage and coordinate complex and sensitive contingency operations. Grenada, the 1984 Summer Olympics and the Panama Invasion all served testimony to his reputable interoperability with Defense, Federal and Joint agencies. His envisioned leadership opened doors for expanded training opportunities with allied forces during combined service exercises. Colonel Brotchie’s unparalleled motivational leadership style was accented by setting clear standards, displaying relentless dedication to duty, maintaining honor bound integrity and consistently making timely and accurate decisions. During Colonel Brotchie’s tenure as the third noth Special Tactics Group Commander he brilliantly implemented CSAF direction to consolidate all combat control resources under AFSOC. Whether implementing peacekeeping measures in the Balkans or evacuating American citizens from threatened countries his Special Tactics Teams delivered essential air-ground interface. The USSOCOM Commander described Colonel Brotchie as a superb Combat Commander, proven in the Persian Gulf. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Brotchie over his 26 year career reflect great credit upon himself and the Combat Control Association.

NICHOLAS S. KIRALY

CMSGT Nicholas S. Kiraly distinguished himself throughout his challenging and demanding career in USAF and Joint assignments. His greatest accomplishment was bringing the USAF Combat Control (CCT) career field from the 1970s role of aircrew support, training, air traffic control, and mission support, to a vital, stand-alone wartime, direct action mission. He conceived, developed and organized the Special Operations Combat Control Team into the Special Tactics Squadron. He has been recognized by the highest ranking General Officers in the Joint Special Operations Command, Military Airlift Command, and Joint Chiefs of Staff for his role in that evolution. His sustained efforts throughout a 26 year USAF and CCT career have brought great credit to himself and to his profession, and have uniquely contributed to the betterment of the United States Special Operations Forces.

RICHARD W.  “RICK” CRUTCHFIELD

Chief Master Sergeant Richard Crutchfield distinguished himself by exemplary leadership and performance throughout twenty-nine years of outstanding service.  Chief Crutchfield’s accomplishments are extremely extensive, covering vast leadership roles and assignments.  Through his military career and as an Air Force retiree he has made an everlasting impact on the Air Force, Special Operations, Special Tactics, and Combat Control.  As a trailblazer, Chief Crutchfield rocketed through the enlisted ranks.  During his unprecedented twenty years as a senior noncommissioned officer he led his men on countless overt and covert combat and humanitarian missions throughout Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Cambodia, Okinawan, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.  Chief Crutchfield was one of the pioneers of the enlisted forward air controller.  He flew countless missions guiding fighter aircraft onto deeply hidden targets under triple canopy jungle and his expertise and diplomatic prowess lead to him teaching Laos and Thai partners, helping these nations repel the communist insurgency.  As the Godfather to modern day Special Tactics, Chief Crutchfield’s foresight led him to create the Combat Control Initial Familiarization training program, which evolved into to the creation of today’s Special Tactics Training Squadron.  A former 720 Special Tactics Group, Chief Enlisted Manager, the Chief was directly responsible for worldwide organization, training, and equipping Combat Control and Pararescue forces which were the primary funnel for augmentation and permanent manning for the Joint Special Operations Command.  Even in retirement, Chief Crutchfield volunteers with the Combat Control Association and the Air Commando Association, as well as a leading influence in the Hurlburt Chief’s group, ensuring the continual growth of today’s Air Commandos and Battlefield Airmen.  The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Chief Crutchfield reflect great credit upon himself and the Combat Control Community.

JEFFREY “JEFF” BUCKMELTER

Colonel Jeffrey Buckmelter distinguished himself through sustained outstanding performance during a long and exemplary career. Colonel Buckmelter’s accomplishments as a Combat Controller spanned over thirty years from early beginnings as a Team Leader through every echelon of the Combat Control and Special Tactics hierarchy. Colonel Buckmelter proved critical through several highly visible and politically sensitive real-world contingency operations spanning the globe as idealistic and violent zealots attempted to intimidate innocent victims. He was on the lead plane, parachuting at a dangerously low altitude of 500 feet, seizing control of Point Salinas Airport and creating an opening for follow on forces to bring order to Grenada in Operation URGENT FURY. His leadership as the senior controller for the next 36 hours were vital to keeping the airfield open until relieved by combat controllers from the Military Airlift Command. As the Trans World Airlines Flight 847 crisis unfolded, Colonel Buckmelter was part of a response force that immediately deployed to attempt a rescue mission. He was again called upon when the cruise ship Achille Lauro was highjacked by terrorists, forward staging to attempt a rescue mission by his special operations team. Colonel Buckmelter’s expertise made him the natural choice for a six month Central Intelligence Agency detail working covert operations throughout the continent of Africa. During Operation JUST CAUSE and DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM, Colonel Buckmelter represented the Commander of United States Special Operations Command as a special liaison officer to Central Command and Other Government Agencies brought together to free Kuwait from the oppressive regime of Iraq. Finally, Colonel Buckmelter’s proven leadership led to him commanding two premier Special Tactics Squadrons leading to him being selected as the fifth Special Tactics Group Commander, leading the Air Forces Premier ground force combat force. A visionary, He spearheaded major changes to the Combat Control pipeline, solving critical man power shortages and creating an Advanced Skills Training program for Special Tactics, consolidating mission readiness training under a single organization and increasing both quality and quantity to meet the tremendous appetite supporting the Global War on Terrorism. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Buckmelter reflect great credit upon himself and the Combat Control Community.