AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  MH-53J

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Daniel C. Weimer for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a MH-53J Aerial Gunner near Belgrade, Serbia during the recovery of an F-16CG fighter pilot shot down deep inside enemy territory on 2 May 1999. On that date, as his crew's tail gunner, Sergeant Weimer made the critical warning calls to his pilot that enabled them to successfully defeat a SA-9 missile fired at the formation. Sergeant Weimer and his flight penetrated enemy airspace pressing toward the objective area without the protection of rescue escort aircraft. Crossing the border the helicopters were attacked by two SA-6 missiles that they skillfully avoided by 200 feet. Three minutes later, a SA-9 missile was fired directly into the rear formation. Quickly deploying the flares that decoyed the missile away, Sergeant Weimer simultaneously called life-saving evasive maneuver instructions to the crew causing the missile to cut behind the aircraft missing both his and the trail aircraft by only 100 feet. For the next hour he and his crew skillfully evaded numerous anti-aircraft artillery and small arms attacks. Once over the downed pilot he provided close air support coverage for the MH-60G when it landed to recover the survivor and, on egress, continuously provided guidance to avoid enemy spotlights that were searching for the flight. Sergeant Weimer's bravery and airmanship under fire were key to this mission's success. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Weimer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.