AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Desert Storm
MODEL:  OA-10

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James F. Mackey for heroism while participating in aerial flight as OA-10 Forward Air Controller, Kuwait Theater of Operations, Operation Desert Storm, on 26 February 1991. On that date, Captain Mackey was directing close air support against a company of enemy T-72 tanks when his fighters came under heavy anti-aircraft fire from an Iraqi ZSU-23-4 battery. Using his own aircraft as a decoy, Captain Mackey drew all the hostile fire from the ZSU-23-4, allowing the flight of F-16 fighters to destroy the anti-aircraft artillery site unobserved. The ZSU-23-4 neutralized, Captain Mackey directed the fighters to resume their attack on the enemy stronghold. This total disregard for his own personal safety resulted in the destruction of a company of Iraqi Republic Guard T-72 tanks, enabling the 2nd Armor Cavalry Regiment forces to advance to their objective with no resistance or loss of life. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Mackey reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.