Kirk S. Pierce Explained

Kirk S. Pierce
Allegiance:United States
Branch:United States Air Force
Serviceyears:1988–2023
Rank:Lieutenant General
Commands:First Air Force
173rd Fighter Wing
113th Operations Group
121st Fighter Squadron
Battles:Iraq War
Awards:Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (3)
Purple Heart

Kirk Stewart Pierce[1] is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Air Force.[2] He was a former commander of the First Air Force.

Air Force career

Raised in Victor, New York,[1] Pierce was commissioned in 1988 after he graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in aerospace engineering. He attended pilot training at Williams AFB, and initially flew as a first assignment instructor pilot for the T-38 Talon. He transitioned to flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon in 1995. He was assigned to 79th Fighter Squadron at Shaw AFB and the 80th Fighter Squadron at Kunsan AB. In 2001, he transitioned to the United States Air National Guard, and was assigned to the 138th Fighter Squadron at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base. He commanded the 121st Fighter Squadron and the 113th Operations Group at Andrews AFB, and the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field. In July 2020, he assumed command of the First Air Force at Tyndall AFB.[3]

Awards and decorations

Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit with two bronze oak leaf clusters
Purple Heart
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with silver and bronze oak leaf clusters
Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Aerial Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with "V" device and three oak leaf clusters
Air Force Combat Action Medal
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device and two oak leaf clusters
Army Superior Unit Award
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
Combat Readiness Medal with silver oak leaf cluster
National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with service star
Iraq Campaign Medal with three service stars
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with service star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Korea Defense Service Medal
Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold frame and two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Longevity Service Award with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze Hourglass device, "M" device and bronze award numeral 5
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with service star
Air Force Training Ribbon

Notes and References

  1. Book: 1988 Commencement . May 13–15, 1988 . 43 . The University of Notre Dame du Lac . February 12, 2021.
  2. Web site: Lieutenant General Kirk S. Pierce (USAF) . . May 19, 2021 . . August 8, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210519165500/https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/2325854/lieutenant-general-kirk-s-pierce . May 19, 2021 . live.
  3. Web site: Pierce Tapped to Lead 1st Air Force . McCullough . Amy . Air Force Magazine . June 5, 2020 . October 28, 2020.