AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The crew TOGA 33 responded to an urgent request to refuel Combat Search and Rescue aircraft operating deep in Northern Iraq Without hesitation, and with no regard for their own safety, TOGA 33 turned north and flew directly into hostile airspace. Despite witnessing enemy anti-aircraft fire in the immediate vicinity, they established an air-refueling orbit and initiated emergency refueling with an F-15E, including a descent into the range of additional anti-aircraft artillery, due to the receiver's performance limitations. Upon completion of the first air refueling, TOGA 33 reestablished an orbit closer to the search area. This new orbit put the crew near the town of Tikrit, directly in the heart of the Iraqi Integrated Air Defense System consisting of over fifty strategic surface-to-air missile systems and over two hundred anti-aircraft artillery sites. TOGA 33 again refueled the search aircraft while planning for a third refueling which would put TOGA 33 dangerously below "Bingo." After thorough coordintion of the plan, TOGA 33 provided the critical third air refueling, safely egressed the area and recovered at home station. Only through the selfless efforts of the crew of TOGA 33 was a search and rescue effort possible that night. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Howard reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.