New York Army National Guard Soldiers Honored with French National Defense Medal

Six soldiers recognized for aiding French Special Forces in Iraq mission

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Six members of the New York Army National Guard's B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion were awarded the French National Defense Gold Medal with Bronze Star for their actions in assisting French Special Forces troops during a mission in Northern Iraq in August 2023.

Why it matters

The French National Defense Medal is a prestigious award given to allied military personnel for "particularly honorable service" during operational activities, highlighting the strong partnership between the U.S. and French militaries.

The details

The six soldiers - Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Scott, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Taylor, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jared Twigg, Staff Sgt. Samuel Sacco, Sgt. Jedediah Estrada, and Sgt. Zachary Albright - were recognized in a ceremony in Rochester, New York. The bronze star indicates their service was at the regimental, brigade, or unit level.

  • The mission in Northern Iraq took place in August 2023.
  • The soldiers were awarded the medal in March 2024 by General Thierry Burkhard, then France's Chief of National Defense Staff.
  • The award ceremony was held on Sunday morning in Rochester, New York.

The players

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Scott

A soldier from Rochester, New York who was part of the B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Taylor

A soldier from Blasdell, New York who was part of the B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jared Twigg

A soldier from Rochester, New York who was part of the B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion.

Staff Sgt. Samuel Sacco

A soldier from Lockport, New York who was part of the B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion.

Sgt. Jedediah Estrada

A soldier from Horseheads, New York who was part of the B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion.

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The takeaway

This recognition highlights the strong partnership and cooperation between the U.S. and French militaries, as well as the bravery and dedication of the New York Army National Guard soldiers who came to the aid of their French counterparts during a critical mission.