New York Army National Guard heroes receive rare French medals for braving enemy fire to rescue allied commandos from ISIS, proving American warriors stand tall for freedom-loving allies.
Story Highlights
- Six Rochester-based Guardsmen awarded French National Defense Gold Medals with Bronze Star for 2023 Iraq rescue mission.
- Rapid 30-minute response saved 64 French personnel, including honoring fallen Sgt. Nicolas Mazier, in high-risk night op against ISIS.
- Under President Trump’s strong leadership, National Guard exemplifies duty, alliance strength, and anti-terror commitment without wasteful globalist overreach.
- Ceremony on Feb. 22, 2026, boosts morale, recruitment, and U.S.-France ties vital to countering radical threats.
Mission Under Fire: The Daring Rescue
On August 28-29, 2023, French Special Forces—about 34-35 commandos—faced heavy ISIS fire near Hawija, Iraq, during Operation Inherent Resolve. They suffered casualties, including Sgt. Nicolas Mazier killed in action, and urgently requested extraction from Erbil Air Base, 70 miles away. B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion from Rochester launched two CH-47F Chinook helicopters within 30 minutes. Crews loaded roughly 30 French reinforcements en route, arrived under uncertain conditions, and provided critical relief on station.
The Guardsmen coordinated via radio amid darkness and threats, inserting the quick reaction force and staying for follow-on support. Later, they extracted 64 total personnel to the Baghdad area, saving lives in a contested zone. This rapid action highlights the precision and bravery of part-time warriors ready for global hotspots, a testament to America’s volunteer force under disciplined command.
Guardsmen Honored: Recipients and Ceremony
The recipients include CW4 Christopher Scott of Rochester, air mission commander; CW3 Aaron Taylor of Blasdell, now retired; CW2 Jared Twigg of Rochester; SSG Samuel Sacco of Lockport; SGT Jedediah Estrada of Horseheads, door gunner; and SGT Zachary Albright of Elba. French General Thierry Burkhard authorized the medals in March 2024. On February 22, 2026, Maj. Gen. Michel Natali presented the French National Defense Gold Medals with Bronze Star at Army Aviation Support Facility 2 in Rochester. Albright attended military school and received his remotely.
These rare awards, established in 1982 for honorable service, recognize brigade-level distinction. Natali praised the night operation risks and French gratitude. Scott credited crew cohesion; Sacco called it routine yet intense with allies aboard; Estrada honored Mazier and reaffirmed the anti-ISIS fight. Taylor entered “mission mode” post-deployment. Such valor upholds conservative principles of duty, strength, and alliance without apology.
Operation Inherent Resolve: Coalition Strength
Launched in 2014, Operation Inherent Resolve unites U.S.-led forces against ISIS remnants in Iraq and Syria. By 2023, efforts shifted to advisory and air support from bases like Erbil in Kurdistan. French paratroopers conducted raids alongside. The New York Guardsmen, on standby rotation, bridged 70 miles of hostile terrain despite unknown ground situations. This precedent echoes U.S. airlifts for partners, reinforcing NATO ties without endless entanglements.
No foreign power had to recognize these citizen-soldiers, yet France did, signaling mutual respect in counter-terror wars. Sources note high consistency in details, with minor variances in troop counts resolved by mission scope.
Impacts: Morale, Alliances, and Legacy
The awards boost unit morale and local pride in Rochester, Lockport, and beyond, elevating National Guard recruitment amid threats from radicals abroad. Politically, they affirm U.S. commitment to allies, countering isolationist doubts while prioritizing American strength. Long-term, they symbolize sustained ops against ISIS, potential for cross-awards, and personal legacies like Estrada’s tribute to Mazier. Aviation roles in special ops gain spotlight, promoting rapid-response training.
Families gain honor; communities celebrate local heroes who serve without seeking glory. Under President Trump, such stories remind us of the citizen-soldiers protecting freedoms from woke distractions and fiscal waste, ensuring real victories over terrorism.
Sources:
New York Army National Guard Soldiers Honored with French National Defense Medal
Six New York Army National Guard Soldiers Receive French Medal for Actions in Iraq
