The trophy, established in 1958, honors 1st Lt. Koren Kolligian Jr., an Air Force pilot declared missing in 1955, and recognizes aviators whose exceptional skill prevents or minimizes the impact of flight mishaps.
Green, a test and instructor pilot with the 661st Aeronautical Systems Squadron, earned the honor after responding to a rare emergency during a training flight in October 2023. A critical malfunction left his aircraft's elevator trim stuck, forcing him to rely on experience and judgment to keep the aircraft controllable while searching for a safe resolution.
His actions stabilized the aircraft and prevented what could have been a fatal accident.
"This ceremony is about more than a trophy. It's about the enduring connection between our Air Force, our communities and the exceptional Airmen who define our legacy of airmanship," Allvin said.
Allvin also noted that Green's calm professionalism reflected the kind of preparation that defines the Air Force's best aviators.
"Flying is still an inherently dangerous business. It involves physics, mechanics and knowing your machine," Allvin said. "What struck me about Maj. Green's story was not just the emergency itself, but how he drew on the years of study, dedication and experience to make the right decisions in real time. That is what separates a good aviator from an outstanding aviator."
A 2012 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, Green has flown more than 3,300 hours in aircraft, including the C-146A, C-145A, AC-208 and U-28A. He has deployed six times to support joint and special operations missions and now serves as the squadron's assistant director of operations and chief of flight safety.
