French Medal Honors U.S. Soldiers’ Brave Rescue

(DailyVantage.com) – Six New York National Guard soldiers received France’s prestigious National Defense Medal for a daring nighttime rescue mission that saved dozens of French commandos pinned down by ISIS fighters in northern Iraq, proving once again that American citizen-soldiers remain the backbone of freedom worldwide.

Story Highlights

Rochester-based Guard aviators flew two Chinook helicopters into hostile territory within 30 minutes to rescue French Special Forces under ISIS attack
The August 2023 mission extracted 64 personnel including one fallen French soldier during a high-risk night operation near Hawija, Iraq
France awarded the rare Gold Medal with Bronze Star to six soldiers in recognition of extraordinary service that French commanders didn’t have to acknowledge
The rescue exemplifies how National Guard units continue fighting ISIS while supporting allies in Operation Inherent Resolve

Rapid Response Under Fire Saves Allied Forces

B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion launched two CH-47F Chinook helicopters from Erbil Air Base on the night of August 28-29, 2023, after French Special Forces engaged ISIS militants near Hawija, Iraq. The New York Guard crew flew 70 miles into contested territory, loaded approximately 30 French commandos en route, and coordinated via radio to provide immediate relief to the trapped unit. The operation unfolded in darkness with an unknown ground situation and active enemy fire threatening both the French forces and the incoming American aircraft.

Professionalism Defines Mission Success

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Scott, the air mission commander from Rochester, credited crew preparation and cohesion for overcoming the mission’s inherent dangers. Staff Sergeant Samuel Sacco of Lockport described the operation as routine despite flying with French troops aboard, while Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Taylor noted the crew operated in “mission mode” after an extended deployment rotation. The soldiers rapidly prepared their aircraft and focused on executing the evacuation without dwelling on the risks, demonstrating the disciplined mindset that defines American military aviators in combat zones.

French Recognition Honors American Valor

General Thierry Burkhard, Chief of France’s National Defense Staff, authorized the awards in March 2024, with Major General Michel Natali presenting the medals at Rochester’s Army Aviation Support Facility 2 on February 22, 2026. The French National Defense Gold Medal with Bronze Star, established in 1982, recognizes particularly honorable service at the brigade-level operational distinction for allied forces. Natali praised the soldiers for undertaking dangerous operations in the dark of night, emphasizing that France’s decision to formally recognize the Americans underscored the mission’s significance. Sergeant Jedediah Estrada of Horseheads specifically honored fallen French Sergeant Nicolas Mazier, reinforcing the anti-ISIS mission’s ongoing importance.

National Guard Proves Combat Readiness

The Rochester-based unit’s performance highlights the National Guard’s critical role in Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS launched in 2014. While mainstream narratives often overlook Guard contributions in favor of active-duty units, these citizen-soldiers maintained standby readiness for exactly this type of allied support mission throughout their Iraq rotation. The crew ultimately extracted 64 total personnel to the Baghdad area, completing a complex multinational operation that required split-second coordination with French forces. Recipients included Chief Warrant Officers Scott, Taylor, and Jared Twigg of Rochester, along with Staff Sergeant Sacco, Sergeant Estrada, and Sergeant Zachary Albright of Elba, who was absent from the ceremony due to military school attendance.

Alliance Strength Reinforces Strategic Partnerships

The recognition strengthens U.S.-France military ties within NATO and coalition operations, demonstrating how American forces remain indispensable to allied partners fighting terrorism in the Middle East. This successful rescue echoes previous multinational extractions in Iraq and Syria, where U.S. aviation assets provide life-saving support that many partner nations cannot replicate. The mission’s long-term implications extend beyond individual honors, symbolizing sustained coalition efforts against ISIS remnants and encouraging future cross-support operations. For Rochester, Lockport, and surrounding communities, the ceremony elevated local heroes who exemplify the Guard’s dual commitment to hometown readiness and global security responsibilities that protect American interests abroad.