AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  AC-130H

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Rollan P. Moriak for heroism while participating in aerial flight as AC-130H Fire Control Officer, near Deh Rawod, Afghanistan on 30 June 2002. On that date, Major Moriak's mission was to neutralize enemy anti-aircraft artillery to enable helicopter infiltration of Special Operations Forces and to destroy Taliban and Al Qaeda positions to prevent decisive engagement by the enemy. After reporting on station, his crew initiated contact with a United States Special Forces team and began executing calls for fire. As the crew searched for targets, the airborne forward air controller reported anti-aircraft artillery in the vicinity. While operating over the same objective area as another AC-130, both aircraft were engaged by anti-aircraft artillery. As the other aircraft initiated defensive maneuvers to keep from taking fire, he calmly orchestrated crew actions integrating sensor inputs and aircraft positioning to avoid the anti-aircraft artillery and engage the enemy. With his guidance, the crew destroyed the site ensuring both aircraft were protected from hostile fire. Over the next three hours he prosecuted a series of attacks on five other active anti-aircraft artillery sites that posed a substantial danger to helicopter infiltrations and friendly mounted elements. During the attacks, the other gunship experienced complete navigation system failure. His crew directed the critical rejoin and later led the stricken aircraft to safety. By destroying weapons and enemy positions, he allowed friendly forces to clean out one of the last pockets of Taliban and Al Qaeda without taking casualties. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by major Moriak reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.