AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Allies Refuge
MODEL:  C-17

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major David R. Gantt for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-17 A pilot, on 23 August 2021 in direct support of Allies Refuge. On that date, Major Gantt and his crew were tasked to fly from Ramstein Air Base, Germany to Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan to evacuate refugees. Despite heavily trafficked airspace, limited communications and minimal ground support, Major Gantt and crew expertly ingressed Kabul. After the successful on-load of 456 vulnerable Afghan refugees, Major Gantt's crew departed for Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. Upon arrival at Al Udeid, they entered a lengthy holding pattern during which two female refugees blockaded themselves in the lavatory. It was astoundingly revealed one of the passengers was actively giving birth. Major Gantt assisted in immediately declaring an emergency and coordinating for priority to land. He helped to ensure, through Al Udeid command post, that medical personnel would be there to assist as soon as they landed. Major Gantt ensured a smooth and flawless approach was flown that allowed for the baby to be safely delivered in flight at six hundred feet above the ground. Due to Major Gantt's foresight and early coordination, medical personnel met the aircraft immediately upon taxiing clear of the runway. The actions of Major Gantt resulted in the complete recovery of the mother and the safe delivery of a healthy baby girl. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Gantt reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.