Kirk S. Pierce

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
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Years of service	1988–2023
Rank	Lieutenant General
Commands	First Air Force 173rd Fighter Wing 113th Operations Group 121st Fighter Squadron
Battles / wars	Iraq War
Awards	Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (3) Purple Heart

Air Force career

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

	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

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]