The unique nature of the War on Terror calls for unconventional approaches to numerous missions. Joint service combat and non-combat operations have become more common over the last several years. While serving as a combat flight medic with the 33rd Expeditionary Combat Rescue Squadron in Afghanistan, Air Force Tech Sgt. Mark DeCorte was at the forefront of a successful Army-Air Force venture to improve rescue operations. DeCorte’s leadership and actions on the battlefield earned him the 2006 Expeditionary Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year award.
In 2005, the Air Force agreed to assist the Army in medevac operations. DeCorte served on the first enlisted team of flight medics in this undertaking. There were many challenges not normally associated with providing care to the wounded on the battlefield. First, the team of airmen had to operate out of a HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter, not the larger C-130 or C-17 the Air Force normally uses. Second, DeCorte and his team were directly involved in combat – unlike many medics who often enter the field after the action subsides. DeCorte even gave up his protected status under the Geneva Convention to provide more urgent care to the wounded.
Two missions in particular from 2006 illustrate DeCorte’s gallantry. DeCorte was called in to rescue a soldier who lost both of his legs. As DeCorte entered the pitch-black battlefield, enemy forces surrounded him on three sides. Wearing night-vision goggles, DeCorte assessed the wounded soldier and applied tourniquets while shielding him from explosions. While taking fire, DeCorte carried the man back to the helicopter and ensured a safe evacuation. On another mission, DeCorte moved in to rescue two wounded soldiers. During the landing, enemy forces fired on the men on the ground, wounding three more. The helicopter landed near a dangerous minefield. DeCorte jumped out, and sprinted 150 yards through the kill zone. He treated all five wounded and directed them back to the chopper – while carrying one of them. DeCorte fit all five soldiers in the helicopter designed to hold two.
While based in Kandahar, DeCorte flew on 63 such missions, and is
credited with assisting 41 enemy kills and 36 rescues, while constantly
resupplying coalition forces with supplies, water and ammunition.
In
addition to being named NCO of the Year, DeCorte’s lengthy list of
awards and decorations includes: the Air Medal with two devices, the
Air Force Commendation Medal with two devices, the Air Force
Achievement Medal with five devices, the Combat Readiness Medal, the
National Defense Service Medal with one device, Afghanistan Campaign
Medal, and the Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, among many
others.
DeCorte’s record of service long predates his actions in Afghanistan. His 13 years in the Air Force includes a tour in Kosovo. DeCorte’s dedicated commitment to service extends to his family. His wife and brother are Air Force tech sergeants. DeCorte’s father, mother and uncle also served as USAF medical sergeants. DeCorte is currently stationed at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.
From the Oscoda Press, a story about DeCort by Holly Nelson
When former Oscoda resident Mark DeCorte flies rescue missions into war zones, he dedicated each to someone or something that is near and dear to his heart. It is a way of showing his appreciation, reported his childhood friend, Jim June of Mikado.
When DeCorte returns from each mission, he uses his precious weight allotment to bring back an American Flag which flew in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The U.S. Air Force tech sergeant then presents each flag, along with a framed certificate attesting to its history, to those to whom he dedicates his lifesaving missions.
June returned home last Christmas Eve to find a package on his porch. It was from TSgt. DeCorte. Inside was a flag intended for June, along with a second one.
On Monday, June and his stepson, Seth Tulgetske, 9, visited the intended recipient of that second flag, presenting it to the Oscoda Board of Education on DeCorte’s behalf.
The medevac mission on which DeCorte obtained this particular flag was flown on March 27, 2006, in Afghanistan aboard an HH-60G with the 33rd Expeditionary Combat Rescue Squadron.
DeCorte was deployed to Kandahar as a combat rescue flight medic during all of 2006.
It is a gift from a true hero, according to June.
School board members were surprised and honored by the gift.
“This is something the district will cherish for a long time,” President Mark Poland said. “It means a lot. It’s a real honor.”
Contacted after the meeting as he came off a 16-hour exercise, DeCorte elaborated on his gift to his alma mater.
“Being from a military family growing up in different places, I do not have a true hometown. Oscoda has always been that hometown in my mind: The place I went to high school and learned many life lessons,” DeCorte explained.
“I wanted to show my appreciation for what Oscoda High School has given me by giving something back. I hope the young men and women of OHS are inspired to promote peace and remember those who gave all to preserve it,” he said. “The flag itself is a representation of our fallen heroes that they are never forgotten.”
