AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  AH-1W

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Matthew R. Shenberger for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an AH-1W Section Leader attached to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force on 23 March 2003. Captain Shenberger was instrumental in 2nd Marine Regiment's seizure of An Nasiriyah, Iraq, and the destruction of Iraqi Republican Guard infiltrators and Fedeyeen Saddam paramilitary units defending the city. Flying multiple close-air support attacks against vehicles, bunkers, and armor, he ensured 2nd Marine Regiment's safe passage across the Euphrates River. While enemy forces were preparing for a counter-attack, Captain Shenberger skillfully maneuvered his flight through a maze of enemy air defense fire to destroy numerous enemy vehicles used by Iraqi paramilitary forces to resupply Fedeyeen Saddam forces assembling on the northern bank of the Euphrates River. Providing covering fire for friendly tanks and armored amphibious vehicles that had become mired in a bog, Captain Shenberger's aircraft sustained numerous direct hits from anti-aircraft artillery and machine gun fire while repelling the enemy attack. At the risk of his own life, he ignored his badly damaged aircraft and continued to fight for an additional four hours, assisting a squad of Marines that were trapped in the city by providing "danger close" covering fire and coordinating their rescue with Marine ground forces. By his superb airmanship, inspiring courage, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions, Captain Shenberger reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.