Distinguished Flying Cross for Capt. Aaron Cavazos

There’s a story at the Luke Air Force Base website about Capt. Aaron Cavazos, an A-10 pilot who did what the pilots of more advanced aircraft couldn’t do in Afghanistan back in 2008;

A Marine had been shot twice in the arm, another in the helmet and the Marine Special Operations Team had three of their weapons damaged by fire. They were outnumbered 11 to one and in desperate need of air support.

The enemy began overwhelming them with rocket-propelled grenades, heavy machine guns and small-arms fire. The last building they found cover in had been struck by more than 20 rocket-propelled grenades causing the walls to crumble forcing the team into their last few defensible rooms. For more than two hours the team repelled three attempts by the enemy to breach their cover. They were approaching a hand-to-hand combat situation.

Two sections of F-18 Super Hornet fighter jets responded to the Marines’ request for close-air support but couldn’t help them because they would not fly below the clouds covering the mountains below.

Shortly after, the Marines received word that two A-10 Warthogs, one flown by 1st Lt. Aaron Cavazos, penetrated the cloud cover and found a way into the tight valley. While the A-10s diverted surface fire to themselves by using overt lighting, they were able to identify friendly and enemy positions allowing the Marines time to develop a plan.

[…]

Because of the heroic actions of then 1st Lt., now Capt. Aaron Cavazos, 61st Fighter Squadron weapons officer, the lives of those six Marines were saved, earning him the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, which he received on Jan. 16 in Club Five Six at Luke Air Force Base.

I sure hope he doesn’t tell Congress how the A-10 was the only aircraft that could have accomplished that particular mission and saved those six Marines’ lives. He could be branded a traitor. Brrrrt on, sir.

Category: Air Force