AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  F-15E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (WITH VALOR) to Captain Dimosthenis C. Doulamis for heroism in aerial flight while engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force as F-15F Lead Weapon Systems Officer, 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing, from 13 April 2024 through 14 April 2024. During this period. Captain Doulamis led a two-ship element of F-15E Strike Eagles as part of a large-force Coalition Defensive Counterair mission to defeat an Iranian attack comprising over three hundred ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and one-way unmanned aerial systems. As the first Coalition aircraft to establish a defensive combat air patrol, Captain Doulamis’ formation provided three hours of continuous active air defense, detecting and engaging the opening swarm of dozens of Iranian attack drones which initiated an hours-long aerial battle and enabled the Combined Forces Air Component Commander’s response plan. Maneuvering his F-15E at low altitude and in complete darkness, Captain Doulamis personally engaged and destroyed four drones. Despite a demanding cockpit task load, he continued to battle-manage his formation, directing weapon systems checks when his wingman was unable to fire and delaying his own shot when he assessed a threat of collateral damage to civilian infrastructure below. Remaining on station until he was at minimum fuel, he used his sensors to assist other aircraft targeting follow-on drone swarms, enabling three additional kills. Returning to base under Alarm Red, as PATRIOT missiles launched and Israeli interceptors detonated dozens of Iranian ballistic missiles overhead, Captain Doulamis led his formation through active air defense artillery and intense falling debris, ensuring the safe recovery of two F-15Es and four aircrew. Captain Doulamis’ actions played a vital rule in blunting Iran’s large-scale attack against Israel, protecting Coalition forces, saving countless civilian lives, and ultimately preventing a larger regional conflict. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Doulamis reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.