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 (WITH "C" DEVICE) to Major Brandon L. Dubuisson for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as C-17 Instructor Aircraft Commander, 728th Airlift Squadron, 446th Operations Group, 446th Airlift Wing. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington on 26 August 2021. On that date, Major Dubuisson and his crew launched from Ali Al Salem Air Base to Hamid Karzai International Airport immediately after receiving notification of a base attack that killed over 170 civilians and thirteen United States Service Members. Laden with a combined thirteen-member Aeromedical Evacuation and Critical Care Air Transport Team. Major Dubuisson and his crew were dispatched along with 23,000 pounds of critical base supplies and caskets for the deceased United States service members. On approach to Kabul as the pilot monitoring, he coordinated for the C-17 to avoid sporadic small arms fire, navigating through congested airspace with minimal air traffic control support. On the ground he commanded the emergency evacuation of the wounded Afghan nationals including three children on life support systems, all of which were rapidly accomplished during an engine-running onload, critically low on fuel, with the airfield under continuous indirect small arms fire and with the threat of a second base attack. On departure, as the pilot flying, he skillfully flew to avoid gunfire and conducted air-refueling in chaotic airspace, ensuring mission completion. Major Dubuisson's heroic efforts on the grueling nineteen-hour duty day saved the lives of all thirteen civilians and ensured the return with honor of the Service Members killed in action. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Dubuisson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.