AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  F-15E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (WITH VALOR) to Major Andrew S. Munoz for heroism in aerial flight while engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force as F-15E Evaluator Pilot. 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing, on 13 April 2024. During this period, Major Munoz led a two-ship element of F-15E Strike Eagles as part of a large-force Coalition Defensive Counterair mission to defeat an Iranian attack comprising over three hundred ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and one-way unmanned aerial systems. As the first Coalition aircraft to establish a defensive combat air patrol, Major Munoz's formation provided three hours of continuous active air defense, detecting and engaging the opening swam of dozens of Iranian attack drones which initiated an hours long aerial battle and enabling the Combined Forces Air Component Commander's response plan. Maneuvering his F- 1 5E at low altitude and in complete darkness, Major Munoz personally engaged and destroyed four drones. Despite a demanding cockpit task load, he continued to battle-manage his formation, directing weapon systems checks when his wingman was unable to fire and delaying his own shot when he assessed a threat of collateral damage to civilian infrastructure below. Remaining on station until he was at minimum fuel, he used his sensors to assist other aircraft targeting follow-on drone swarms, enabling three additional kills. Returning to base under Alarm Red, as PATRIOT missiles launched and Israeli interceptors detonated dozens of Iranian ballistic missiles overhead, Major Munoz led his formation through active air defense artillery and intense falling debris, ensuring the safe recovery of two F-1 5Es and four aircrew. Major Munoz's actions played a vital role in blunting Iran's large-scale attack against Israel, protecting Coalition forces, saving countless civilian lives, and ultimately preventing a larger regional conflict. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Munoz reflected great credit upon himself and the United Sates Air Force.