AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  F-14B

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Sara A. Stires for heroism while participating in aerial flight. As the Radar Intercept Officer of an F-14B Tomcat Aircraft while attached to Fighter Squadron One Zero Two embarked in USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) deployed to the North Arabian Sea in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 9 November 2001. Lieutenant (jg) Stires launched as lead of a flight tasked to conduct armed reconnaissance in northern Afghanistan. Arriving in the target area, she positively identified a large enemy convoy attempting to retreat from Mazar E Sharif. Resolutely taking charge of the situation, Lieutenant (jg) Stires targeted the lead vehicle of the convoy, destroying it. She immediately reattacked and destroyed a second vehicle, effectively blocking the avenue of retreat for the enemy Taliban forces and bringing the convoy to a standstill. Disregarding her own safety during the ensuing anti-aircraft artillery and small arms fire, Lieutenant (jg) Stires directed the weapons deliveries of two more Air Wing strike aircraft resulting in a total of six vehicles destroyed. Her actions directly prevented the regrouping of a large enemy Taliban and Al-Qaida force and resulted in the destruction of dozens of vehicles and numerous enemy personnel killed and wounded. By her super airmanship, inspiring courage, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of personal risk, Lieutenant (jg) Stires reflected great credit upon herself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.