AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Yugoslavia
MODEL:  MH-53J

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Daniel S. Nielsen, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an MH-53J pilot during the rescue of an F-16CJ pilot shot down near Belgrade, Serbia, on 2 May 1999. On that date, Lieutenant Nielsen's exemplary skill and airmanship displayed under extremely hazardous conditions, were integral to the success of the mission. While exposed to great personal risk, Lieutenant Nielsen meticulously navigated at terrain-hugging altitudes and penetrated the formidable integrated air defense network of a determined and forewarned enemy. Crossing into Serbia without the protection of rescue escort aircraft and highlighted by a full moon, the rescue flight was quickly targeted and engaged by two SA-6 missiles, which they skillfully evaded by 200 feet. Three minutes later the flight was attacked from behind by a SA-9. Lieutenant Nielsen and crew took evasive maneuvers and avoided the missile by 100 feet. Pressing deeper into Serbia, he flawlessly ran his aircraft's defensive systems, evading numerous anti-aircraft artillery barrages and small arms fire. Realizing that flight lead had not received correct survivor coordinates due to a garbled radio, Lieutenant Nielsen quickly passed the right ones, saving precious moments as dawn was about to break. Over the survivor, he set up close air support coverage for the MH-60G landing to pick up the downed pilot and then assumed trail to protect the MH-60G during their hazardous egress to safety. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Nielsen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.