AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  C-17A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Drew P. Dela Cruz for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Aircraft Commander, C-17A at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on 22 August 2021. On that date, Captain Dela Cruz received intelligence of an imminent suicide attack at the airfield, but facing extraordinary circumstances, directed the mission to continue. On the ground in Kabul, he oversaw the swift on-load of 450 evacuees. Having been informed the enemy had a goal to hijack aircraft, he ordered in-depth screening of every passenger, ensuring no weapons were brought onboard. While airborne to Al Udeid Air Base, a sixteen year-old Afghan mother fell unconscious, alarming dozens of evacuees. At the direction of Captain Dela Cruz, the crew moved her to the flight deck where lifesaving care could be performed. As she received resuscitative care, several male passengers became agitated and tried to gain access to the flight deck. Assessing an imminent threat to the aircraft, Captain Dela Cruz directed the crew to defend the flight deck and declared an in-flight emergency to expedite arrival to Al Udeid Air Base. While taxiing, he avoided ground incursions with multiple aircraft to reach emergency responders. His decisive actions amid chaos led to a safe arrival, crucial medical care for the ill mother, and ensured the survival of all on board the aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Dela Cruz reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.