Kirk S. Pierce

Summary

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.

Kirk S. Pierce
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Air Force
Years of service1988–2023
RankLieutenant General
Commands heldFirst Air Force
173rd Fighter Wing
113th Operations Group
121st Fighter Squadron
Battles/warsIraq War
AwardsDefense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (3)
Purple Heart

Air Force career edit

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 edit

  US Air Force Command Pilot Badge
  Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge
  Headquarters Air Force Badge
  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

Effective dates of promotions edit

 
Pierce is promoted to lieutenant general at the Inter-American Defense College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C. on July 24, 2020.
Insignia Rank Date
  Lieutenant general July 29, 2020
  Major general Jan 15, 2019
  Brigadier general April 3, 2016
  Colonel June 16, 2010
  Lieutenant colonel Jan 20, 2005
  Major Nov 19, 1999
  Captain Oct 29, 1992
  First lieutenant Oct 29, 1990
  Second lieutenant May 14, 1988

[2]

References edit

  1. ^ a b 1988 Commencement (PDF). The University of Notre Dame du Lac. May 13–15, 1988. p. 43. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Lieutenant General Kirk S. Pierce (USAF)". United States Air Force. May 19, 2021. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2021.   This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. ^ McCullough, Amy (June 5, 2020). "Pierce Tapped to Lead 1st Air Force". Air Force Magazine. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
Military offices
Preceded by Deputy Director of the Air National Guard
2019–2020
Succeeded by
Commander of the First Air Force
2020–2023
Succeeded by