AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Desert Storm, GWOT
MODEL:  F-15C

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Mark A. Wilkins. Captain Mark A. Wilkins distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-15 pilot near Kirkuk, Iraq on 29 January 1991. On that date, involved in a combat air patrol mission over enemy territory, Captain Wilkins and his flight lead initiated an attack on two enemy fighters just after they became airborne. By actively pursuing the attack, the enemy aircraft were forced to flee at which time one was destroyed by other friendly fighters and the other fled the combat area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Wilkins reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.