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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant Christopher K. Schick who distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as C-17A Loadmaster in Afghanistan from 28 November 2001 to 30 November 2001. During this period, the outstanding professionalism, skill, leadership and ceaseless efforts of Sergeant Schick resulted in major contributions to the successful insertion of combat forces into the Camp Rhino landing zone in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, the United States' response to terrorism around the world. Sergeant Schick operated the C-17A under exceptional circumstances, including continual scanning against the threat of aimed enemy defenses, directing critical ground maneuvers on a blacked-out area with minimal edge markings, the first-ever use of Special Operations Low Level aircrews using night vision goggles under threat of hostile action, and the first-ever delivery of outsized cargo to an austere airfield by the C-17A Globemaster III. His efforts were critical to the planning and execution of 64 missions in only 6 short days, delivering an astounding total of 2.9 million pounds of cargo and 481 ground combat troops into battle. His efforts airlifting the 15th and 26th Marine Expeditionary Units into Camp Rhino were critical to the deepest insertion of combat forces into hostile territory in the history of the United States Marine Corps. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Schick reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.