AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Desert Storm
MODEL:  AV-8B

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Theodore N. Herman for heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer and division level pilot VMA-542 in combat flight operations against enemy forces in the southeastern Kuwait Theater of Operations during Operation Desert Storm on 17 January 1991. Piloting an AV-8B, Lieutenant Colonel Herman observed an Iraqi artillery battery which was effectively engaging the I MEF Forward Operating Base north of Ras al Khafji. Without hesitation, he repeatedly attacked the target ignoring thousands of rounds of anti-aircraft fire and multiple heat seeking surface-to-air missiles. Delivering his ordnance with devastating accuracy, Lieutenant Colonel Herman flew with total disregard for the integrated air defenses, expending his bomb load and returning to the fireswept skies over the target multiple times to finish the annihilation of the battery using his aircraft's 25MM internal gun. Lieutenant Colonel Herman's incredible courage, superior airmanship, and unyielding devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.