AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Desert Storm
MODEL:  F/A-18A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Paul R. Demers United States Marine Corps for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of an F/A-18A aircraft serving with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force during Operation DESERT STORM on 27 February 1991. Late in the afternoon, Captain Demers, launched as part of a flight of two aircraft on a Close Air Support mission. Diverted to perform Anti-Aircraft Artillery suppression in support of a Search and Rescue extraction for a downed U.S. pilot, he bravely flew through extremely dense Anti-Aircraft Artillery fire, delivering ordnance with pinpoint accuracy. Captain Demers directly risked his personal safety preparing a route for the incoming Search and Rescue helicopter so the downed pilot could be extracted safely. By his outstanding leadership, skillful airmanship, and courageous devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions, Captain Demers reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.