AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  F/A-18

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Andrew L. Kessler for heroism while participating in aerial flight as the Pilot of an F/A-18 Hornet Aircraft while attached to Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHT SIX embarked in USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) on 28 November 2001. Lieutenant Kessler, while deployed to the North Arabian Sea in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, was the division leader of a four-plane Close Air Support mission tasked to support an Army Special Forces team under mortar attack in the mountains near Qandahar, Afghanistan. After Lieutenant Kessler successfully destroyed the mortar position, he located two separate enemy convoys attempting a multi-axis flanking attack on the friendly position. The most threatening axis was halted by his swift destruction of the lead vehicle. Turning his attention to the remaining axis, Lieutenant Kessler strategically directed the destruction of the lead and trail vehicles, trapping the enemy in an exposed position vulnerable to attack by follow-on elements. By his superb airmanship, inspiring courage, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions, Lieutenant Kessler reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.