AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  OH-58D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to CW2 Gabriel Saldana, Task Force Saber, United States Army, for distinguishing himself in the performance of outstanding achievement as a Pilot-in-Command and Air Mission Commander in an OH-58D(R) Scout Weapons Team (SWT) in support of combat operations in Kandahar Province, 19 January 2010, during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. While conducting operations in the Argendab River Valley, Afghanistan, CW2 Saldana' s SWT was contacted by 2Fury71 who reported that a ground force had struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and sustained several casualties. Arriving on station, CW2 Saldana observed the ground element pop red smoke indicating that they needed Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC). Unable to establish communication with the ground force, CW2 Saldana decided to land his aircraft to have his co-pilot get out to assess the casualties and offer any assistance despite the immense danger to his himself. CW2 Saldana coordinated with his trail aircraft to notify another SWT operating in the area to come to their location to assist the ground force. CW2 Saldana’s co-pilot arrived back to the aircraft with a soldier that had life threatening injuries that could not await the Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) aircraft. CW2 Saldana’s co­pilot strapped the injured soldier into the left seat of the aircraft and then strapped himself to the weapons platform outside the aircraft. CW2 Saldana immediately took off and flew to the ROLE 3 Medical Center on Kandahar Airfield. With the severely injured Trooper in the hands of medical personnel, CW2 Saldana led his SWT back to support the ground force that sustained the IED attack. CW2 Saldana was notified by the other SWT, now on station, that the MEDEVAC aircraft on the ground was receiving Small Arms Fire (SAF) from an adjacent wadi. CW2 Saldana set up his team to conduct engagements on the insurgent location. Despite receiving heavy SAF, CW2 Saldana continued to put devastating fires on the insurgent location. CW2 Saldana's sister aircraft identified a grape hut where a majority of the SAF was originating. His team set up and conducted a remote Hellfire engagement that had debilitating effects on the insurgent position. The enemy SAF ceased. CW2 Saldana's valiant actions saved the life of an Airborne Infantryman. His quick reactions and instinctive understanding of the situation facilitated a heroic non-standard CASEVAC. CW2 Saldana led bis team back into a hostile combat zone to support the ground force that had sustained heavy casualties. He was able to effectively use his aircraft's weapon systems to silence the enemy fire. CW2 Saldana's leadership and meritorious conduct are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon him, Bravo Troop, Task Force Saber, the 82ND Airborne Division and the United States Army.