|
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II
aircraft pilot received the Distinguished Flying Cross during a
ceremony at the Air National Guard Readiness Center on October 31,
2013.
Maj. Michael J. Stock was presented the medal by Brig.
Gen. R. Scott Williams, commander of the Air National Guard Readiness Center, for his actions
during a recent deployment to Afghanistan.
|
Brig. Gen. R. Scott Williams, commander of the Air National
Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews, Md., presents Maj.
Michael J. Stock with the Distinguished Flying Cross on October 31,
2013 for gallantry while on a mission during a recent deployment to
Afghanistan. Maj. Stock's actions directly saved the lives of 50
Marines and 25 Special Forces soldiers and airmen. (U.S. Air
National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Marvin. R. Preston)
|
“Rarely does a soldier take it upon himself to find out
who the pilots were that came to their aid, it's just
understood we're all just doing our part,” said Williams. “A
Chief Master Sergeant from the Special Operations Force
called (then) Capt. Stock to say thanks for answering the
call for help.”
During the mission, Stock displayed
gallantry as flight lead of two Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt
II aircraft, providing close air support for 75 embattled
coalition forces. While conducting over watch of maneuver
elements, Stock located enemy combatants scouting the
coalition position.
“I am
extremely humbled and honored to be part of the A-10
community,” Stock said. “This mission is what our community
trains and lives for every day.”
Enemy combatants in
the area ambushed coalition force with rocket propelled
grenades and machine gun fire from multiple directions and
distances as close as 30 meters. Within seconds, Stock
coordinated with the Joint Terminal Attack Controller for
multiple strafe attacks. In order to mitigate the risk to
friendly forces and increase the accuracy of his fires, he
elected to engage the enemy from a low altitude along a
restricted axis, rendering himself predictable to enemy
combatants observed to be firing at his aircraft.
To
reduce the possibility of civilian casualties due to air
delivered fires, Stock quickly talked a sniper team onto the
enemy position, which enabled them to neutralize the threat
with organic assets.
Stock's ability to deliver
firepower in close proximity to friendly forces, without
regard to his own safety, saved the lives of 50 Marines and
25 United States Special Forces soldiers and airmen.
“The real heroes from that mission were the Joint Terminal
Attack Controller, ‘Mike W,' and my wingman Sapper Tice,”
said Stock. “Those two men are consummate professionals and
were able to deliver devastating firepower despite degraded
equipment and a fluid and uncertain battle space.”
The Distinguished Flying Cross was authorized by Section 12
of the Air Corps Act in 1926. President Calvin Coolidge
awarded the first Distinguished Flying Cross in 1927. The
medal is awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the
U.S. armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself by
heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in
an aerial flight in support of operations.
“We were
just doing our jobs on that particular day, and there are
many close air support aircrew downrange doing this work day
in and day out, and for that I'm proud of them,” added
Stock. “All of the credit for the Hawg's success goes to
everyone on the team who work extremely hard to make it
happen. A-10 Intel, life support, Squadron Aviation Recourse
Managers, weapons and maintenance troops are the backbone of
the community and the absolute best at what they do. Without
them, close air support does not happen.”
By USANG Master Sergeant Marvin. R. Preston
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2013
Comment on this article |
