AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Desert Storm
MODEL:  F/A-18C

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (Gold Star in lieu of the Second Award) to Commander Robert E. Stumpf, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of an F/A-18 aircraft with Strike Fighter Squadron 83 embarked in USS SARATOGA (CV 60) on 21 January 1991. As the strike leader of a 24 plane attack on crucial SCUD Missile Storage facilities near Ar Ramadi in Central Iraq, Commander Stumpf spearheaded the effort to thwart the enemy's offensive capability. He orchestrated and executed a brilliant plan which resulted in the destruction of 21 SCUD storage buildings. Undaunted by bursting anti-aircraft fire and active surface to air missile systems, Commander Stumpf located the target through four-fifths cloud cover and led the attack. He delivered four 2,000 pound bombs with pinpoint accuracy, scoring direct hits on a cluster of missile storage buildings and destroying all three. Commander Stumpf's extraordinary airmanship and leadership were instrumental in curtailing the enemy's SCUD capability, thereby contributing to coalition solidarity and ultimate victory over Iraq. By his inspiring courage, aggressive initiative, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions, Commander Stumpf reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.