AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Operation Allied Force
MODEL:  F-117

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Laurence H. Rice, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-117A Stealth Fighter Pilot, 8th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 31st Expeditionary Operations Group, 31st Air Expeditionary Wing, Aviano Air Base Italy, over the Former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, on 24 March 1999. On that date, Major Rice executed one of the first attacks as part of D-Day for Operation Allied Force. Major Rice was among the first to cross the border and brave the untested, fully integrated, Serbian air defense system. With enemy air and deadly surface-to-air missile activity surrounding his aircraft offering no safe attack axis, Major Rice elected to continue his attack. Major Rice expertly piloted his aircraft directly through the enemy threat and successfully delivered and precisely guided a laser-guided bomb scoring a direct hit. Despite the presence of several airborne enemy fighter aircraft in his immediate vicinity, Major Rice continued and successfully attacked his second target. Major Rice's flawless aerial skill and coolness under pressure directly contributed to the historic success of the Operation Allied Force air campaign. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Rice reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.