SFC (Ret) Clifford Newman was selected as an Eagle for his outstanding contributions to airpower as a Special Forces Team Leader. He led the first combat high-altitude low opening jump in U.S. history. Due to a lack of time, resources, and trained personnel, the innovation involved was essential to making it a successful mission. Additionally, he volunteered for Bright Light missions, requiring him to control close air support and Covey pilots to support troops in contact, extracting WIA/KIA.