AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  F-16CJ

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Bradley E. Turner for heroism while participating in aerial flight as F-16CJ Pilot, 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 363d Expeditionary Operations Group, 363d Air Expeditionary Wing at Prince Sultan Air Base. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 22 March 2003. On that date, flying on a suppression of enemy air defenses mission near Baghdad, Iraq, Captain Turner protected F-18s, F-14s, B-1s and F-16CGs striking targets in Baghdad in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. After severe avionics malfunction rendered his weapons and sensors useless, Captain Turner and his flight lead were left to protect their sector of strike aircraft with only two high-speed anti­radiation missiles. Upon Reaching the target area, Captain Turner visually acquired a surface-to-air missile launched towards his flight lead and instructively directed him to react. His expert visual lookout allowed his flight lead to maneuver in time to defeat the missile, which passed dangerously close to the formation. Within minutes of the first launch, four additional surface-to-air missiles and heavy barrages of anti-aircraft artillery were fired at Captain Turner's flight. He skillfully directed three threat reactions while aggressively maneuvering his aircraft to defeat the enemy fire. Captain Turner's flight remained over Baghdad for forty minutes despite low fuel and the significant risk to themselves. Following the strikers' egress, Captain Turner's element turned south and provided suppression for a single B-1 bomber late for its strike. Despite their low fuel, and Captain Turner's now failing radios, they remained with the strike aircraft through its route, reporting anti-aircraft artillery fire and enemy radar threats. His selfless dedication allowed the strikers to successfully destroy key Iraqi regime and military targets and directly contributed to the success of coalition air and ground objectives. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion displayed by Captain Turner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.