AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Desert Storm
MODEL:  F-16CJ

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Michael R. Boera for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a F-16CJ Fighter Pilot, 23 d Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 31 st Expeditionary Operations Group, 31 st Air Expeditionary Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, near Belgrade, Yugoslavia, on 19 April 1999. On that date, Colonel Boera was Mere 13, the deputy Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses Mission Commander for two Operation ALLIED FORCE night strike packages in and around the Serbian capitol of Belgrade and Novi Sad. During the ingress, a volley of SA-3 missiles were fired at Colonel Boera's element. With SA-3 missiles rising towards his aircraft, Colonel Boera courageously turned and fired an AGM-88 missile at the SA-3 site as his wingman maneuvered defensively. Shortly after Merc 14 successfully defeated the missiles, a second volley of SA-3 missiles were fired at Colonel Boera. Colonel Boera immediately dispensed chaff, turned on his jamming pod, and initiated aggressive maneuvering to defeat the missiles as they guided on his aircraft. He expertly maneuvered his aircraft in the darkness, causing the three missiles to overshoot and detonate outside of their lethal radius. Despite additional heavy anti-aircraft artillery, Colonel Boera remained on station as the bombers proceeded with their mission. His flawless aerial skill and courage under direct enemy fire allowed all of the strikers to successfully attack their targets and return home safely. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Boera reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.