SENIOR AIRMAN DANIEL R. SANCHEZ distinguished himself by heroism as a Combat Controller, 21st Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron, Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component, while engaged in ground combat against an enemy of the United States from 4 August 2010 to 16 September 2010. 

During this period, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Airman Sanchez served as the sole Joint Terminal Attack Controller attached to a United States Army Special Forces team operating in southeastern Afghanistan.

He and his team conducted five combat operations in Oruzgan Province, with Airman Sanchez providing superior close-air support for the team and their Afghanistan National Army partner force. During one multi-day combat patrol, his convoy struck an improvised explosive device, disabling the lead vehicle and halting the convoy in enemy territory. Airman Sanchez quickly directed orbiting aircraft to provide overwatch while his team worked to recover the disabled vehicle. His efforts were instrumental in identifying enemy forces in the area and preventing an ambush. When another vehicle became disabled later in the same patrol, Airman Sanchez again leveraged air assets to provide early warning and prevent the enemy from massing on the stalled convoy.

On his final mission, Airman Sanchez, his team, and their Afghanistan National Army partners were tasked to provide security for national election polling sites in the vicinity of Kajran District. Shortly after inserting into the objective area via helicopter, Airman Sanchez was mortally wounded when his position came under fire from an enemy insurgent within the Afghanistan National Army partner force.

By his heroic actions and unselfish dedication to duty in the service of his country, Airman Sanchez has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.