AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  C-17A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (with C Device) for heroism while participating in aerial flight to Technical Sergeant Zachary T. Ward for extraordinary achievement as C-17 Instructor Loadmaster, 313th Airlift Squadron, 446th Operations Group, 446th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, on 26 August 2021. On that date. Sergeant Ward and his crew launched from Ali Al Salem Air Base to Hamid Karzai International Airport immediately after receiving notification of a base attack that killed over 170 civilians and thirteen United States Service Members. Laden with a combined thirteen-member Aeromedical Evacuation and Critical Care Air Transport Team Sergeant Ward and his crew were dispatched along with 23,000 pounds of critical base supplies and caskets for the deceased United States service members. On approach to Kabul, he assisted in tactical maneuvering of the aircraft to avoid sporadic machine gun fire, navigating through congested airspace with minimal air traffic control support. On 1he ground he directed the emergency evacuation of the wounded Afghan nationals including three children on life support systems, all of which he rapidly accomplished during an engine-running onload, critically low on fuel, with the airfield under continuous indirect small arms fire and with the threat of a second base attack. Once the aircraft departed, he once again assisted in radio communications and threat avoidance for continuous small arms fire, ensuring a safe tactical departure. Sergeant Ward's heroic efforts on the grueling nineteen-hour duty day saved the lives of all thirteen civilians and ensured the return with honor of the Service Members killed in action. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Ward reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.