AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  MC-130P

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (With VALOR) to Major Joel L. Martin for heroism while participating in aerial flight as MC-130P Aircraft Commander at Joint Special Operations Air Component-South near Kandahar, Afghanistan on 5 December 2001. On that date, flying as DITKA 03, Major Martin launched within 1 hour of alert in response to a friendly fire incident. His professional skill and airmanship enabled his crew to successfully respond to 2 separate calls for emergency fuel from a flight of MH-53M helicopters, save the lives of 29 United States and allied Soldiers and rescue the helicopters from a remote desert landing strip. Both receivers came under enemy mortar fire while on the landing zone and delays loading the wounded caused their fuel state to grow dangerously low. As he lifted off, the lead helicopter notified Major Martin that both elements were below emergency fuel. Major Martin knew that in the previous 2 weeks, Taliban elements had fired over 90 surface to air missiles at Coalition aircraft near Kandahar, yet with complete disregard for his crew's and his own personal safety, he twice rendezvoused over the enemy city at 200 feet above ground level during daylight, preventing receiver flameout. The second helicopter had less than 700 pounds remaining at plug in and Major Martin's enormous gamble undoubtedly saved the lives of both helicopter crews. Later, after learning the receivers were broken at the medical transload site, Major Martin returned to his staging base and in a Herculean subsequent effort, flew a risky night vision goggle infiltration with zero illumination to the remote desert landing strip, delivered parts, extracted all nonessential helicopter crewmembers and returned safely to his base. Shortly before daybreak, both helicopters returned safely. Due to victims urgent medical state, Major Martin flew 2 unplanned high threat sorties with 4 hours crew rest, logging over 8 hours of combat time. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Martin reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.