AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  MC-130H

Citation:  1.) By (order?) of the President for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States, the following individual is awarded THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (WITH "C" DEVICE). Major Jacob G. Broullire distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an MC- 130H Aircraft Commander, 15th Expeditionary Special Operations Squadron, Joint Special Operations Air Component Central, Special Operations Command Central, in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE from 7 January 2020 to 8 January 2020. During this period, Major Broullire's extreme devotion to duty, assumption of risk, and understanding of a rapidly changing mission ultimately saved the lives of his crew, aircraft, 103 military personnel, and five coalition aircraft from Iranian ballistic missiles through the course of his 16-hour long mission. Less than an hour after receiving his mission, Major Broullire and his crew departed Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait at near maximum wartime aircraft gross weight and headed towards Al Asad Air Base. Iraq to conduct an evacuation. At Al Asad, he assisted sequencing additional arriving aircraft to minimize time on the ground while simultaneously loading 72 personnel and again departed near maximum recommended wartime weight. After multiple changes to his mission, he arrived in Erbil, Iraq low on fuel. He was forced to terminate refueling short of his required amount after being told missiles were inbound. He elected to take off despite the fuel state, ensuring four coalition aircraft could depart prior to missile impacts. Flying at maximum endurance speed to save fuel, he and his crew were re-tasked to bring a mass casualty team from Baghdad to Al Asad. Despite observing several missiles cross his flight path and impacting Al Asad Air Base, he made the command decision to continue the mission calculating the risk did not outweigh medical necessity declaring an emergency to land. Unable to refuel at Baghdad, he coordinated for on-call air-to-air refueling. Shortly after his aerial refueling started, an electrical malfunction caused the fuel gauges to blank and the navigation system to go off-line. In response to these events, he ceased refueling, declared an emergency, and landed at Baghdad. Eventually, he and his crew were relieved of all other tasks and returned to Kuwait 16 hours into their mission. His extraordinary airmanship and skill prevented the loss of Anvil 44, ensured the survival of four coalition aircraft, and the safety of 103 Americans. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Broullire reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.