AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Desert Storm
MODEL:  F-16

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Preston B. Thompson for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-16 pilot assigned to the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing (Provisional), in action supporting coalition forces of Operation DESERT STORM. On 19 January 1991, over Baghdad, Captain Thompson faced the enemy's most concentrated array of surface-to-air missiles consisting of more than twenty-five known sites and untold numbers of anti-aircraft artillery batteries. As he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft to attack a strategic target in the center of the city, he was undaunted by the fact that two aircraft near him had been shot down. He attacked only to find his target obscured by dense, low ceilings. He then held his bombs rather than dropping and possibly hitting civilians. After pulling off target he out-maneuvered two surface-to-air missiles, narrowly escaping. Upon hearing a distressed pilot in a battle damaged F-16 he immediately pitched back into the threat to assist his comrade. He escorted the pilot until his ejection, then marked his location. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Thompson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.