BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A northwest Bakersfield man's role in protecting troops in Afghanistan has earned him special recognition. He was the Air Force copilot of a B-1B Lancer bomber that provided aerial protection for troops on the ground.

Capt. Boyd Smith and his crew received the Mackay Trophy Nov. 2 in Washington, D.C., for their excellent aeronautic service. Smith and his crew were honored for saving many American lives in what was called a desperate situation.

Ground troops were confronting a 200-strong Taliban enemy force that was attempting to overrun their base. Flying more than four miles above southern Afghanistan the crew of the B-1B Lancer bomber came to the rescue.

Smith and his crew were faced with a critical fuel situation and had to make a decision. Other air support was out of reach and men on the ground were being killed. The crew made the decision to calculate their strike with precision and strength, stopping Taliban onslaught.

The Mackay Trophy is one of the most important awards in the United States Air Force, and was first presented by Clarence Mackay in 1912 and deeded to the National Aeronautic Association. The trophy is administered by the United States Air Force and the National Aeronautic Association. It is awarded for the "most meritorious flight of the year" by an Air Force person.

Smith is in good company, such people like Capt. Chuck Yeager, who in 1947 was first person to break the sound barrier, have also won the award.