AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Desert Storm
MODEL:  A-6E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United states takes pleasure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to Lieutenant Randolph L. Mahr United States Navy for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Bombardier/Navigator of an A-6 aircraft while serving with Attack Squadron 115 embarked in USS MIDWAY (CV 41) on 17 January 1991. On the first night of Operation DESERT STORM, Lieutenant Mahr was assigned to attack the main aircraft ramp at a major Iraqi airfield. The target was heavily defended with overlapping missile envelopes and anti-aircraft batteries. Flying at extremely low altitude to avoid airborne missiles, he skillfully navigated his A-6 through a thick layer of low fog and defense anti-aircraft artillery opposition. Despite intense guided and barrage fire threatening his aircraft, Lieutenant Mahr successfully located and prosecuted the target for a flawless precision attack. His pinpoint delivery of cluster land mine weapons denied the enemy the use of their airfield during the critical early hours of the war. Lieutenant Mahr' s brilliant leadership, superb airmanship, and courageous 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 United States Naval Service.