AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Desert Storm
MODEL:  B-52

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Ernest S. Tavares, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight as B-52 Lead Navigator over hostile Iraqi territory on 16 January 1991. On that date, Captain Tavares led the first wave of B-52s to be used as night low-level penetrators in the opening minutes of Operation DESERT STORM. The successful penetration in the face of extremely limited visibility, unfamiliar terrain, and heavy enemy fire led to the overwhelming destruction of all target objectives and denied the Iraqi fighter resources any dispersal capability for the duration of the conflict. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Tavares reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.