Pilot honored for actions in Libya rescue

A pilot who flew to North Idaho for the official airfield naming ceremony of Pappy Boyington Field a few years ago has been named Marine Corps Aviator of the Year by the Marine Corps Aviation Association.

According to Corps Marine Times, Maj. J. Eric Grunke played a key role in a rescue effort on March 22, 2011, in Libya.

The award honors the leatherneck who has made "the most outstanding contribution to Marine aviation" in the past year, according to a Marine news release.

Grunke, of Weiser, and his wingman took part in a mission to rescue an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle that had gone down near the city of Benghazi.

The DOD says Maj. Grunke dropped two 500-pound bombs on enemy vehicles that were pursuing the pilot, and located a safe landing zone for the MV-22B Osprey rescue aircraft.