AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  AC-130U

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant David A. Sloat for heroism while participating in aerial flight as AC-130U Navigator, Joint Special Operations Air Detachment West, Special Operations Command Central at a classified location on 20 March 2003. On that date, Lieutenant Sloat and his crew departed a forward operating base after an entire day of theater ballistic missile attacks from the Iraqi regime. Despite minimal crew rest from spending the day in chemical warfare ensemble, the crew departed on a mission to accomplish one of the top seven key objectives of the President, the security of the Al Faw peninsula. Overhead the objective, he coordinated the elimination of enemy threats to the inbound helicopters and quickly relayed vital tactical information from the visual sensors to the ground forces, ensuring they had the most current information as the battle unfolded. In the face of constant fire from enemy anti-aircraft artillery and man portable missiles, with little regard for their own safety, he and his crew continued overhead the outnumbered special operations ground teams for nine hours providing unmatched situational awareness to all friendly forces involved. The actions of Lieutenant Sloat significantly contributed to the successful capture of the Al Faw peninsula, paving the way for the United States led ground war, and ultimately saving thousands of coalition lives. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Sloat reflect great credit upon hmself and the United States Air Force.