AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  OEF
MODEL:  A-10

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Randall L. Weitzel for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as A-10 Close Air Support and Forward Air Controller-Airborne wingman, 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 332d Air Expeditionary Group, on 9 March 2002. On that date, Captain Weitzel’s exemplary knowledge and outstanding airmanship, displayed under extremely hazardous condition, culminated in highly successful aerial penetrations of enemy forces. Flying as SANDY 72, he successfully flew an 8-hour mission into Afghanistan to destroy enemy mortar, vehicles and troops while working in close proximity to friendly ground forces. Launching and recovering from a classified austere forward air base, he overcame challenging weather conditions consisting of thunderstorms, icing and poor visibility to and from the target area. Captain Weitzel assisted SANDY 71 who was tasked to run the entire air war over Afghanistan by the airborne command and control director. He expertly established a comprehensive fighter and bomber mashalling plan while sorting out available strike assets and target priorities for the target area. Checking in on the common strike frequency, he determined that excessive communication clatter was confusing the air situation. Captain Weitzel assisted in devising a workable communications plan to stop confusing coordination clatter on the fight frequency. While in control of the entire area of responsibility, he assisted in the control of numerous B-1, F-15E and F-16 strikes. In the fighter role, he delivered six MK-82 500-pound bombs on enemy infantry positions with deadly accuracy. Between preventing blue-on-blue fratricide and controlling weapon deliveries within 2000 meters of friendly position, Captain Weitzel saved coalition lives and advanced the United States goals in the war on global terrorism. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Weitzel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.