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) to Technical Sergeant Zachary L. Webb for extraordinary achievement while participating In aerial flight as a C-17A Loadmaster while assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, 385th Air Expeditionary Group, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar from 17 August to 30 August 2021. During this period, Sergeant Webb's exemplary knowledge and outstanding airmanship, displayed under extremely hazardous conditions. were critical to the successful accomplishment of missions in support of Allies Refuge. Flying In the hostile airspace over Kabul, Afghanistan while under indiscriminate machine gun fire from enemy emplacements, Sergeant Webb demonstrated his steadfast dedication and selflessness, enabling the emergency humanitarian evacuation of I,167 Afghan refugees throughout the operation. Sergeant Webb was the Primary Loadmaster aboard REACH 828, a mission from Al Udeid Air Base. Qatar to Ramstein Air Base, Germany where he transported 260 refugees without onboard medical or security personnel. Sergeant Webb and his crew worked to transload and manifest the overheated refugees from a grounded C-5M that was parked nearby. During the flight, a mother went into labor and required immediate: medical attention due to a drop in her blood pressure. Sergeant Webb made the quick decision to advise the Aircraft Commander of the situation, gather medical supplies, enlist the help of a young Afghan refugee as an interpreter, and used his smartwatch to monitor the mother's heart rate and blood pressure all while still providing armed security for the crew. The mother was finally stabilized and the baby, who was named "Reach” after the mission call sign, was successfully delivered onboard the C-17A upon arrival in Garmany. Sergeant Webb's swift actions and aeronautical proficiency were vital to the favorable outcome of this in flight medical emergency. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Webb reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.