Mark A. Schulte
AWARDED DFC:
1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT: Desert Storm
MODEL: OV-10A
Citation: 1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Mark A. Schulte for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an OV-10 Aircraft with Marine Observation Squadron 1, Marine Aircraft Group 13 Forward, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific in support of Operation DESERT STORM on 25 February 1991. During the morning hours, Captain Schulte and his Supporting Arms Coordinator Airborne launched in support of U.S. Marine forces engaged in combat with Iraqi forces. Working with 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division and without regard for his personal safety despite working in extremely adverse weather conditions, he courageously reconnoitered forward of friendly lines. Knowingly putting his aircraft in extreme danger from enemy small arms and numerous anti-aircraft artillery systems, Captain Schulte located, reported, and brought under fire a brigade of Iraqi armor. Throughout the engagement, Captain Schulte, operating forward of friendly forces, repeatedly placed himself and his aircraft in imminent danger, marking enemy tanks while controlling AH-1W Attack helicopters, F/A-18 Hornets and AV-8B Harriers. His courage and excellent control of attack aircraft directly contributed to the destruction of an estimated 26 Iraqi armored vehicles. Captain Schulte's professional airmanship, aggressive initiative, and complete dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditons of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.