A True American Hero-Fly Boy's Air Medal with Valor

Fly Boy, my American soldier and true military hero, was recently presented with the Army's Air Medal with Valor by the Commanding General of the 42nd Infantry Division for his outstanding actions in a firefight with Iraqi insurgents.  You can read the specifics in the narrative below, which has been edited to remove his real name.  Emphasis with underlines is mine! 

 Congratulations Son!

 

Narrative for Air Medal with "V" Device

CW2 Fly Boy

At 201750CMAR05 Palehorse 06/Crazyhorse 06 (PH06, CH06), a flight of two OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters, observed a large explosion while conducting Reconnaissance and Security operations, vicinity Hib Hib. The Air Mission Commander's (AMC's) aircraft contacted Task Force Hammer (3rd Brigade Combat Team) to report the explosion and determine if there had been any controlled detonations in the area. Upon notification that there were no planned controlled detonations, the Scout Weapons Team (SWT), began to move to the location of the blast to actively develop the situation.

At 1800 as the team transitioned to that location, an unidentified rocket engaged CW2 <Insert Fly Boy’s name> aircraft. CW2 Fly Boy's aircraft broke right and began to conduct evasive maneuvers, while attempting to gain contact with the enemy. After conducting aggressive reconnaissance of the point of origin (Qual'at ar Raqqah) with negative results, the aircraft continued mission to the origin of the previous explosion.

The SWT arrived at the site at 1805 and identified the source of the explosion as a VBIED (Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device) that had detonated inside of a GIA (Greater Iraqi Army) compound. While conducting multiple passes over the insurgent force, the SWT became engaged by small arms fire from seven individuals located on the northeast corner of the compound. CW2 Fly Boy, without regard for his own personal safety, quickly prioritized his greatest threats, established an engagement area and targeted the Anti-Iraqi Forces (AIF) personnel with .50 Caliber machine gun and rocket fire. His rapid assessment of the situation and timely response to the enemy resulted in saving the lives of multiple friendly Iraqi forces within the GIA compoundand seven enemy killed in action.

Once the enemy broke contact from the GIA station, the SWT conducted a thorough sweep of the area to gain situational awareness of the enemy forces and began directing ground forces into the area. As the AMC began directing ground forces into the area, both aircraft came under heavy large caliber weapons fire and rocket fire. CW2 Fly Boy's superb skill as an aviator ensured the safety of the aircraft and provided the AMC with vital information of the enemy in order to direct the battle. Throughout the battle, the aircraft continued to maneuver around the battlefield, directing the ground forces onto the enemy locations. The ground element, continuing to maneuver on the enemy were engaged by two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the SWT provided critical cover and situational updates which allowed the ground unit to establish security and overall situational awareness on the ground. Over the course of the battle, the aircraft were engaged multiple times without receiving and direct hits.

While conducting duties as Pilot-In-Command of the lead aircraft of a two aircraft reconnaissance mission, CW2 Fly Boy distinguished himself by closing with and engaging Anti-Iraqi Forces attempting to overrun a Greater Iraqi Army compound. His efforts as the pilot-in-command ensured the safety of his aircraft, his aircrew and vital security for the ground commander. His determination and fearlessness in the face of the enemy, allowed the disruption of a large scale, complex attack that would likely have led to the destruction of not only the GIA compound, but also the destruction of the Coalition Quick Reaction Force that actioned to re-enforce the GIA.