AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  OEF, GWOT
MODEL:  HH-60G

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant Patrick J. Ledbetter for heroism while participating in aerial flight as HH-60G Pavehawk Flight Engineer near Nad e Ali, Afghanistan, on 28 December 2009. On that date, Sergeant Ledbetter launched as part of a four-ship task force sent at night to rescue one urgent casualty whose injury put the lives of 160 British soldiers in jeopardy. On the first attempt, Sergeant Ledbetter's aircraft was on short final, when insurgents ambushed his aircraft with aimed small arms, heavy machine gun, and anti-aircraft artillery fire from 200 meters. He gave his pilots precise directions to safely maneuver the aircraft away from the incoming rounds. After the attack aircraft neutralized the threat, Sergeant Ledbetter bravely volunteered to re-enter the engagement zone. On the second attempt, the attack aircraft marked the wrong field. Sergeant Ledbetter, recognizing the crew was headed to the wrong location, called for an immediate go-around. On short final to the correct field, Sergeant Ledbetter aborted the rescue when enemy fire came within feet of his aircraft. During the evasive maneuvering both pilots lost sight of their flight lead. Sergeant Ledbetter immediately searched and became the first crewmember to reacquire his wingman. Afterwards, he successfully directed the rejoin of both aircraft, preventing a possible mid-air collision. When asked if willing to make a third attempt, Sergeant Ledbetter firmly consented despite the enemy threat. On the third attempt, Sergeant Ledbetter successfully rescued the urgent casualty and one more soldier from the hostile area, enabling the British ground unit to complete their mission. His actions truly demonstrate bravery under fire. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Ledbetter reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.