AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  C-17

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (with “C” Device) to Major Amit N. Patel for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as C-17 Aircraft Commander. 97th Airlift Squadron, 446th Operations Group, 446th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Washington, 26 August 2021. On that date, Major Patel and his crew launched from Ali Al Salem Air Base to Hamid Karzai International Airport immediately after receiving notification of a base attack that killed over 170 civilians and thirteen United States Service Members. Laden with a combined thirteen-member Aeromedical Evacuation and Critical Care Air Transport Team Major Patel and his crew were dispatched along with 23,000 pounds of critical base supplies and caskets for the deceased United States service members. On approach to Kabul. as the pilot flying, he skillfully maneuvered the C-17 on a tactical arrival to avoid sporadic machine gun fire, navigating through congested airspace with minimal air traffic control support. On the ground he assisted in the emergency evacuation of the wounded Afghan nationals including three children on life support systems, all of which were rapidly accomplished during an engine-running onload, critically low on fuel, with the airfield under continuous indirect small arms fire and with the threat of a second base attack. On departure, as the co-pilot, he aided in avoiding sporadic gunfire and conducted air-refueling in chaotic airspace, ensuring mission completion. Major Patel's heroic efforts on the grueling 19-hour duty day saved the lives of all thirteen civilians and ensured the return with honor of the Service Members killed in action. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Patel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.