AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Kosovo - Operation Allied Force
MODEL:  B-1B

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Kevin P. McCandless for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a B-1 Instructor Pilot, 77th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, 2d Air Expeditionary Group, Royal Air Force Fairford, United Kingdom, on 3 May 1999. On that date, while flying a B-1 bomber combat mission during Operation ALLIED FORCE, Colonel McCandless was targeted against 0brva Airfield, a key aircraft staging area in south central Serbia that had been unsuccessfully attacked on three previous missions due to heavy surface-to-air threats in the vicinity. Colonel McCandless aggressively maneuvered his aircraft around four tactical surface-to-air missile batteries, two strategic surface-to-air missile batteries, and heavy anti-air craft artillery fire in order to successfully prosecute his target. Despite these risks, Colonel McCandless successfully destroyed 0brva's runway, taxiway, control tower, and ramp area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel McCandless reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.