AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  MH-53

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States of America has awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross (With Valor) to Captain Craig D. Prather for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Craig D. Prather distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as flight lead and aircraft commander near Fallujah, Iraq on 13 November 2004. Captain Prather was flight lead of Mongoose 31 flight, a flight of two MH-53 helicopters, transporting Special Forces men and equipment from Baghdad to Fallujah in support of combat operations against the insurgent stronghold. Enroute to his landing zone near the embattled city, his flight came under intense small arms fire from very close range. As rounds impacted the aircraft, Captain Prather immediately reacted to crew inputs and turned away from the threat and descended. Seconds later, a second enemy position began to fire on the formation forcing him to execute two more breaks to avoid the concentrated small arms threat and safely egress the area while his crew continued to engage the enemy with accurate and sustained fire. Knowing he had aircraft damage, Captain Prather elected to continue the mission and deliver the needed reinforcements and supplies to Fallujah. After an initial battle damage assessment in the landing zone, he decided to fly the aircraft to an airfield where repairs could be made. On the flight back to Baghdad, a damaged engine cowling departed the aircraft, further damaging the tail rotor and rendering the aircraft only marginally airworthy. Having no secure landing area in the vicinity, he continued to a safe airfield rather than abandon the aircraft to the enemy. Captain Prather’s crew leadership, tactical prowess, and courage under fire directly resulted in the safe return of 14 crewmembers and two MH-53M helicopters after coming under sustained enemy fire. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Prather reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. (with Valor)