MASTER SERGEANT SCOTT C. FALES

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE AIR COMMANDO HALL OF FAME TO MASTER SERGEANT SCOTT C. FALES

Master Sergeant Scott Fales’ extraordinary career serving our nation is highlighted by leadership of over 70 rescue and recovery missions, with 56 “saves” during scores of combat operations. MSgt Fales earned the Jolly Green Association’s 1982 Rescue of the Year award and 1986 Mission of the Year honors. During Operation JUST CAUSE, he parachuted in with Army Rangers to seize Torrijos-Tocumen Airport. During Operation DESERT STORM he led multiple classified recovery missions in western Iraq. In 1992 he earned AFSOC Senior NCO of the Year honors, and was selected as an Air Force Top 12 Airman in 1993. While deployed to Somalia with Task Force Ranger, MSgt Fales authored search and rescue plans enabling high-risk missions in an attempt to capture warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. Responding to a United States helicopter downed in Mogadishu, he led his team’s fast-rope insertion in the midst of intense enemy fire, rescuing five survivors. Though seriously wounded, he provided medical care for teammates while laying down effective covering fire, thwarting repeated enemy attacks. MSgt Fales was awarded the Silver Star for his courageous actions and a Purple Heart for wounds inflicted by enemy forces. After retirement, he developed personnel recovery capabilities supporting operations executed by our nation’s most elite forces. MSgt Fales currently leads combat development for the 724th Special Tactics Group. Throughout 39 years of active duty and civilian service, MSgt Fales personally ensured the betterment of all with whom he served. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Master Sergeant Scott Fales reflect great credit on himself, Air Force Special Operations, and all Air Commandos.

Inducted in 2016 at the Air Commando Association Awards Banquet in Fort Walton Beach, FL