AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  MH-60L

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Two Tracy L. Stapleton, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment for achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Fully Mission Qualified Pilot while engaged in combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom. After completing the Infiltration of a United States Special Operations Force, the crew experienced multiple emergencies to include a single engine failure. Chief Warrant Officer Two Stapleton's performance, expertise, and critical decision making enabled an emergency single engine night vision goggle aerial refuel thus saving the crew and aircraft and safely returning to base. His actions reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army Special Operations Command, and the United State Army.