McGuire chief receives Bronze Star Published June 26, 2006 By Senior Airman Dilia DeGrego McGuire Public Affairs MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- A McGuire chief master sergeant was awarded the fourth highest individual award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service June 13. Chief Master Sgt. William Ferenc, 305th Civil Engineer Squadron chief enlisted manager, was awarded the Bronze Star for his service with the 732nd Expeditionary CES while deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq. The chief said he was surprised to learn of this accomplishment, but acknowledged that he didn’t do it alone. “I was amazed but filled with pride,” said the chief. “The accomplishments of the entire 732nd ECES are endless, I was just a part of that team commanded by the very best, Lt. Col. Brian Ouellette (305th CES commander). He is, without a doubt, the most dedicated, motivated and professional officer I have ever known or worked for in my 27 years of service. He motivated me to do my very best every day, and that gave me the drive I needed to accomplish our mission in Iraq.” According to the citation, Chief Ferenc received the award by distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement as the CEM of the 732nd ECES, while engaged in ground operations against the enemy. While deployed from May 8 to Nov. 15, 2005, the chief was in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and he tirelessly led his 250-man team in support of major U.S. Army engineering operations throughout the Iraqi area of operations. He led his unit from the frontlines, where he conducted more than 15 combat patrols with his unit and destroyed four enemy improvised explosive devices, directed critical repairs to key infrastructure systems and built new security partnerships with Iraqi regional ministry officials and Iraqi Army senior officers. He also completed more than 28 combat logistics patrols, traveling more than 3,000 miles through hotly-contested combat zones, to tenaciously orchestrate his unit’s operations and deliver mission critical logistics. He aggressively sustained the morale and welfare of his combat Airmen during 40 team visits, according to the citation. “The TDY to Iraq was the most rewarding time in my career to date. I would go back in a heartbeat to help lead the men and women of that unit to success,” said the chief. “We are making a difference for the people of Iraq, and in doing so, making America a safer place — and I’m proud to do my part.” Additionally, Chief Ferenc employed advance operational capabilities for his 26-man rapid air mobility squad that proved decisive during 17 successful outside-the-wire missions to rescue four soldiers and recover six casualties. Also, he provided key command leadership for the first Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division detachment for a new public works detachment which collectively executed more than $1 billion in critical national infrastructure reconstruction projects across Iraq. Aside from the Bronze Star Medal, Chief Ferenc has also been awarded five Meritorious Service Medals, two Air Force Commendation Medals and two Air Force Achievement Medals. In the future, the chief said he looks forward to a new assignment so he can continue his service and retire with 30 years total Air Force military service.