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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant Robert P. Sullivan. Technical Sergeant Robert P. Sullivan distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as Mission Aerial Gunner, 66th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, near Paktia Province, Afghanistan, on 3 March 2002. On that date, Sergeant Sullivan launched from alert status at a forward area rearming and refueling point, his skill and sense of urgency were instrumental in getting the aircraft airborne in 8 minutes from a 30-minute alert posture. Once airborne, his scanning calls were critical flying at less than 100 feet above ground level through enemy held territory with less than five percent equivalent moon illumination. Sergeant Sullivan tested the aircraft defensive weapons systems and scanned for enemy activity during the 80 nautical mile flight over Al-Qaeda and Taliban-held territory to the objective area. Once in the terminal area, the flight immediately came under attack by enemy mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire. Sergeant Sullivan quickly identified and cleared the pilot into the high altitude-landing zone with less than two feet of rotor clearance on both sides of the aircraft. Sergeant Sullivan's calm resolve and accurate calls of enemy positions in the high ground off the tail of the aircraft enabled the flight lead to call in close air support at targets less than 400 meters from the formation. For the duration of the 3-hour mission Sergeant Sullivan was instrumental in terrain avoidance calls and mortar attack point-outs. His quick and decisive defensive calls allowed the pilot to accurately coordinate air-to-ground attacks through the overhead AC-130 gunship. Once the formation exited the terminal area, his crew coordination was exemplary as he continued to scan for enemy activity. His professionalism resulted in a successful mission that saved three lives. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Sullivan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Robert P. Sullivan is a member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society.