AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Desert Storm
MODEL:  F-111E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Michael J. Sweeney for heroism while participating in aerial flight in an attack against the Al Nabbas hydroelectric power production complex on 18 January 1991. On that date, Captain Sweeney aggressively utilized the F-111E's defensive and offensive weapon systems and successfully radar navigated his aircraft to the precise point required to deliver his twelve 500 pound MK-82s as enemy tracer fire illuminated the cockpit and explosions rent the air. Captain Sweeney directly contributed to the successful elimination of the integrated air defense system and to Iraqi nuclear, chemical and missile production facilities in the face of overwhelming odds. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sweeney reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain Michael J. Sweeney, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Weapon Systems Officer assigned to the 7440th Combat Wing (Provisional), Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, on 23 February 1991. On that date, he was part of a composite force strike package tasked to attack the Al Taji military complex in Baghdad, Iraq. The twelve hundred mile round trip was the longest unrefueled strike of the northern air campaign. Disregarding his personal safety in the face of dense surface-to-air missile and antiaircraft artillery fire, Captain Sweeney successfully prosecuted the attack. The destruction of this target denied the enemy weapons production and repair capabilities vital to their war effort. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sweeney reflect great credit upon himself and United States Air Force.