AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  F-35A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (WITH "C" DEVICE) to Captain Christopher J. Patti for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while engaged in military-operations against an enemy of the United States over the Islamic Republic of Iran, as F-35A Pilot, 34th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, on 21 June 2025. On that date, Captain Patti flew an F-35A tasked with providing suppression of enemy air defenses in support of Operation MIDNIGHT HAMMER, a daring nighttime air strike at the heart of an avowed enemy of the United States. After expertly adjusting his inflight refueling plan, he bravely flew hundreds of miles across hostile airspace to rejoin with the strike package already established over the target area. The strategic bombers' routing demanded that Captain Patti fly directly over the enemy's most concentrated air defenses, posing grave risk to his life and his aircraft. Flying well beyond the reach of friendly personnel recovery capabilities, he willingly placed himself at significant risk of capture if forced to eject. Despite active targeting from enemy surface-to-air systems, he flew more than 600 miles across contested airspace and more than 90 minutes in enemy territory, employing four bombs against enemy surface to air threats. His outstanding skill and bravery ensured the bombers reached their targets, delivering four hundred and twenty thousand pounds of specialized ordnance and crippling the enemy's strategic nuclear capabilities. Captain Patti then guaranteed the safe egress of all strike aircraft from hostile airspace, while he remained within enemy territory providing mutual support. Upon exiting enemy territory, he faced a critical fuel state, undoubtedly caused by his decision to remain in enemy territory until all friendly aircraft were safe. He precisely piloted his aircraft to the tanker and executed air refueling under low illumination and total lights out. This historic mission was hailed as "a spectacular military success" by the President of United States, receiving praise from the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and directly contributed to the ceasefire which ended the Twelve-Day War. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Patti reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.