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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Randall J. Haskin for heroism while participating in aerial flight as F-15E 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 Operations Iraqi Freedom, Captain Haskin received a last minute tasking from the Combined Air Operations Center against time-sensitive, high-priority targets. The new targets were five overpass culverts under a busy highway suspected of harboring SCUD surface-to-surface missiles in the vicinity of heavily defended Baghdad. Additionally, Captain Haskin was informed that there were friendlies within 1,500 meters of one of the culverts. This unconventional tasking called for an unconventional game plan. With minimal planning time, Captain Haskin's flight masterminded a buddy guide employment tactic to ensure adequate weapons effects. The plan required precise run-in-headings and precise formation positioning. The execution of this non-standard plan was made even more difficult by the maneuvering required to avoid the heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire near the target area. During the attack on the second culvert, a surface-to-air missile was launched, causing Captain Haskin to begin evasive maneuvers while dispensing countermeasures. Without regard for his own safety, Captain Haskin continued attacks on all five of the culverts with one culvert yielding secondary explosions that were later verified by a ground observer to be the destruction of a SCUD missile. After refueling, Captain Haskin's flight was tasked to verify the presence of Iraqi helicopters believed to be carrying weapons of mass destruction. After three reconnaissance passes, well within Baghdad's surface-to-air missile engagements zone, it was determined that the suspected helicopters were not present. However, while searching, Captain Haskin's flight identified and destroyed a surface-to-surface missile transporter. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Haskin reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.