AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Iraq
MODEL:  B-52G

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Kevin J. Cole for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as lead B-52G Radar Navigator, near Baghdad, Iraq on 20 January 1991. On that date, Captain Cole participated in a four-ship B-52 attack against a heavily defended electronics production facility near Baghdad, Iraq. Heavy anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missile fire prevented supporting aircraft from covering the ingress of his formation. Despite this heavy enemy fire, high crosswinds, and a malfunctioning aiming system, Captain Cole, successfully continued his attack and destroyed his target. His actions significantly degraded Iraqi capability to maintain an effective air defense network. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Cole reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.