Kirk Stewart Pierce is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Air Force. He was a former commander of the First Air Force.
Air Force career Raised in Victor, New York, 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.
Awards and decorations US Air Force Command Pilot BadgeOffice of the Secretary of Defense Identification BadgeHeadquarters Air Force Badge Defense Superior Service MedalLegion of Merit with two bronze oak leaf clustersPurple HeartDefense Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal with silver and bronze oak leaf clustersAir Medal with three oak leaf clustersAerial Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clustersAir Force Commendation Medal with "V" device and three oak leaf clustersAir Force Combat Action MedalJoint Meritorious Unit AwardAir Force Meritorious Unit AwardAir Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device and two oak leaf clustersArmy Superior Unit AwardAir Force Organizational Excellence AwardCombat Readiness Medal with silver oak leaf clusterNational Defense Service Medal with one bronze service starArmed Forces Expeditionary Medal with service starIraq Campaign Medal with three service starsGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with service starGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalKorea Defense Service MedalAir Force Overseas Short Tour Service RibbonAir Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold frame and two oak leaf clustersAir Force Longevity Service Award with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clustersArmed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze Hourglass device, "M" device and bronze award numeral 5Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with service starAir Force Training Ribbon
Effective dates of promotions
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