U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) presented Bronze Star Medals on Tuesday to eight veterans of the Bosnian War, among them retired Army Reserve Brigadier General Guy L. Sands-Pingot of Huntsville, more than 30 years after their commanders first recommended them for the honor.
The eight served with the forward detachment of Joint Task Force Provide Promise in Bosnia in 1995. Their Bronze Star recommendations were submitted that year but were never acted upon, according to Tuberville’s office.
In October 2025, Tuberville asked the U.S. Army Human Resources Command to review the original recommendations.
That review led to Tuesday’s ceremony in the Kennedy Caucus Room in Washington.
Sands-Pingot served in Bosnia as Assistant Chief of Staff, G5, and Civil-Military Operations Officer for UNPROFOR’s Sector North East in Tuzla.
From March to August 1995, during some of the most intense fighting of the war, he planned, directed and carried out humanitarian relief efforts across the region.
He was directly responsible for coordinating and establishing relief for refugees from the former U.N. Safe Areas of Srebrenica and Zepa, according to the award materials provided by Tuberville’s office.
“You know one of the reasons I don’t like this place sometimes is because it’s easy to feel like nothing’s getting done for the American people,” Tuberville said. “But today is a little different. We can actually celebrate getting something done.”
The Bronze Star Medal recognizes members of the U.S. Armed Forces for heroic or meritorious achievement or service connected to military operations against an armed enemy.
The veterans honored Tuesday served in intelligence, communications, security and humanitarian roles during the war. They are:
- Stephen D. Darulla
- Guy L. Sands-Pingot
- Stacy P. Pilgreen
- Steven D. Houde
- Keith J. Filipp
- David R. Respass
- James D. Bruner
- William E. Barber III
Several of the men operated in Sarajevo and elsewhere in Bosnia during the heaviest fighting of 1995, maintaining communications, providing intelligence, protecting commanders and supporting humanitarian missions.
Two of the recipients did not live to see the recognition. Filipp, who retired as a command sergeant major, died in 2017. Respass, a Green Beret who served with the 10th Special Forces Group, died in 2015. Family members accepted their medals.
Tuberville’s father served in World War II and received the Bronze Star.
“Most of you know my dad served in World War II and was a Bronze Star recipient,” Tuberville said. “But even a Bronze Star can’t repay the gratitude that we owe to these veterans. They put their lives on the line to make our country — and our world a safer place.”
“I know that some of today’s honorees are no longer with us… we appreciate the family members who traveled here to accept this award on their behalf,” Tuberville said. “You too, have shouldered an enormous responsibility. So, thanks to all of you and congratulations on this well-deserved honor.”
Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
