Crew Members of KC-135 Aircraft Receive Distinguished Flying Cross for Aiding in Defense against Iranian Drones Attack
David Roza: KC-135 Crews Honored for Aiding in Drones' Takedown
A whopping 24 KC-135 crew members have received the Distinguished Flying Cross, a prestigious military award, for their crucial role in refueling the fighters that brought down 80 drones and missiles Iran fired at Israel on April 13.
These airmen received their awards in a series of ceremonies, with 11 from the Tennessee Air National Guard's 134th Air Refueling Wing honored on Dec. 7, followed by seven from McConnell Air Force Base, Kans., in August and six from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., in July.
The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is the military's fourth-highest award for heroism in the air, acknowledging acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement. In the chaos of Iran's missile attack, KC-135 crews, despite flying aging planes lacking the onboard defensive systems and advanced situational awareness tools of their fighter comrades, managed to work in harmony, aiding the F-15Es in their mission.
"It was a constant dialogue between the tankers, fighters, and [command and control] to make sure they got what they needed," said Maj. Cody Gaby, one of the Tennessee pilots. "We didn't expect it, but with the lack of those systems, we truly didn't know where those missiles were being directed towards."
Crew members had to painstakingly fly into the hectic airspace, all the while aware of the potential danger due to the absence of such vital defense systems. It was a nerve-wracking situation, but the crews relied on each other and their partners to navigate the battlefield and prevent collisions.
The heroes from Tennessee flew three KC-135s, ensuring the fighters stayed airborne and thereby relatively safer during Israel's base's attack. This unparalleled instance highlights the importance of tanker crews as the lifeline for fighters, ensuring they can perform their missions effectively.
The DFC is typically not awarded for sustained operational activities, but rather for acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement that are rare, distinct, and go beyond the call of duty. There are exceptions, like the 1999 mission over Kosovo during Operation Allied Force, where four KC-135 crew members received the DFC for their bravery in refueling A-10s while operating below the minimum altitude for their refueling tracks, exposing them to surface-to-air missiles.
The KC-135 crews that sanctioned Iran's offensive received the DFC citation for their outstanding valor, vital communication, and gas offloading under dangerous circumstances. The award underscores the incredible feats achieved by these dedicated airmen, risking their lives to support their comrades and protect the United States’ allies.
- The air force and space force are evaluating the usage of drones and missiles in combat situations, given the heroic actions of KC-135 crews during war-and-conflicts like the Iranian missile attack.
- The defense department is considering advancements in aircraft and weapons systems, such as onboard defensive systems and advanced situational awareness tools, to protect pilots in future military operations.
- General news and politics are abuzz with discussions about the growing significance of the military's lesser-known units, like tanker crews, in maintaining air superiority and ensuring the success of air force and space force missions.
- In the realm of space force operations, the role of tanker crews in refueling spacecraft might become increasingly important, as the United States bolsters its defense capabilities in space.
- As politics and war-and-conflicts continue to evolve, the bravery and achievements of pilots like those who received the Distinguished Flying Cross for their roles in refueling missions will remain a key topic in general-news discussions.
- The story of the KC-135 crews honored for their role in taking down Iranian drones and missiles serves as a testament to the indispensable nature of pilots and the military, standing as a reminder of their ongoing defense efforts for the nation and its allies.
