AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Iraqi Freedom
MODEL:  HH-60H

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight as the Crew Chief and Left Gunner attached to HH-60H helicopter during a joint special operations airborne assault in support of Commander, Joint Special Operations Task Force Arabian Peninsula in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 20 December 2005. Petty Officer Palmer expertly managed the two crewmen and left gun for his aircraft, NICKEL 65, as part of a four-aircraft mixed division, through demanding night desert environmental conditions on a dangerous national-interest target assault in central Iraq. After inserting a four-man Special Forces element to capture insurgents attempting to escape the target area, the ground team and aircraft came under fire from insurgents. Petty Officer Palmer immediately engaged the insurgents with the M-240 machine gun, firing three accurate volleys, including two volleys at targets that had to be directed by the pilot using forward looking infra-red imagery since the targets were obscured from view. His quick response and aerial gunnery expertise resulted in five enemies eliminated in action, six enemies captured and no Coalition casualties. Petty Officer Palmer was directly responsible for the rapid neutralization of the threat and the ultimate safety of the ground team and aircrew. His lack of hesitation and exceptional skill with the weapon allowed the friendly ground force, outnumbered three to one, to prevail in battle. By his superb airmanship, inspiring courage, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions. Petty Officer Palmer reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.