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 to Captain Todd R. Dyer for heroism while participating in aerial flight as F-l 5E Pilot, 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 379th Expeditionary Operations Group, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar on 2 April 2003. On that date, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Captain Dyer flew in a flight of two Strike Eagles, tasked with strike coordination and reconnaissance. En route to the working area, the flight was fired upon by two surface to air missiles. He aggressively defeated the missiles with maneuvers and countermeasures. Once established in the area, Captain Dyer found, identified and destroyed six T-72 tanks arrayed in positions to protect Baghdad. After refueling, the flight was retasked to investigate and destroy a high priority-building complex southeast of Baghdad. Captain Dyer orchestrated the release of his three remaining bombs, destroying three buildings hiding enemy personnel. The flight was then tasked to find and destroy certain vehicles in a military complex west of Baghdad, targets of the highest priority possible. The flight encountered multiple anti­aircraft artillery fires over Baghdad but again defeated the threats with defensive maneuvers. Having expended all nine weapons on previous targets, Captain Dyer flew defensive cover for his flight lead. Subsequently, he identified three targets and aided in passing their locations to two F/A-18 Hornets, affecting the destruction of 20 military vehicles. Maintaining extreme vigilance for threats within the saturated defenses of Baghdad, he visually picked up the launch of two surface to air missiles only seconds after the last F/A-18 weapon hit its target. Captain Dyer directed the flight to execute a threat reaction, causing the missiles to miss the F-15E. In total, Captain Dyer personally destroyed six tanks, three high-priority buildings, and defeated four surface-to-air missiles along with numerous anti-aircraft artillery fires. His actions ensured the quick downfall of the Iraqi regime and helped protect coalition forces. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Dyer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.