AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  AC-130U

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Joseph R. Tomczak. Captain Joseph R. Tomczak distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as AC-130U Pilot, 4th Expeditionary Special Operations Squadron, Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component Afghanistan, on 8 April 2017. On that date, Captain Tomczak's decisive actions, exemplary knowledge, and outstanding airmanship displayed during more than IO hours of close air support saved numerous American and Afghan lives during Operation FREEDOM'S SENTINEL in support of Resolute Support Mission. Captain Tomczak and his crew alert launched in response to two American Special Forces teams under ambush by Islamic State Khorasan insurgents. He relayed critical updates to the Special Forces' command and control and directly integrated with two F-16 fighter aircraft during six complex engagements. Depleting the ammunition on their aircraft, him and his crew returned to base and returned to target area within 19 minutes on a second, fully loaded aircraft. Once again overhead, he and his crew conducted continuous airstrikes for another five hours, eliminating a heavy machine gun position to protect friendly helicopters, and thwarting an enemy ambush at the danger close distance of 36 meters from friendly forces. Ultimately, his actions killed 32 enemy fighters, destroyed 24 fighting positions, and successfully repelled a coordinated enemy attack. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Tomczak reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.