Maj. Ryan T. Hayde, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot with the 57th Wing, is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross from Brig. Gen. Terrence O'Shaunessy during a commander's call Sept. 30, 2011, in the base theater at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Hayde received the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement during an aerial flight while deployed to Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan. He was also awarded the Single Mission Air Medal and the Air Medal. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Taylor Worley) Hi-res
Question: Anybody who can/will tell me some details about this significant OEF combat mission?
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From a Nellis press release:
ReplyDeleteNellis Airman Awarded DFC: Maj. Ryan Hayde, an A-10 pilot and commander's action group chief for the 57th Wing at Nellis AFB, Nev., received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroic actions in Afghanistan. On Oct. 29, 2010, Hayde led a nighttime A-10 flight supporting ground forces sent to engage Taliban forces near the Pakistan border. Despite inclement weather and nearly zero visibility, Hayde destroyed several improvised explosive devices buried near five possible helicopter landing zones. During a 35-minute battle, he provided cover fire and coordinated attacks with friendly AH-64 Apaches. His actions allowed a 150-man assault force to land safely, leading to "a successful mission and the capture of more than 25,000 pounds of homemade explosives and 40 kilograms of opium," said wing officials. "Sometimes getting the opportunity, during what may be the worst day of a soldier's life, to provide air support and allow that individual to make it home to their family safely, is the most amazing honor you can receive," said Hayde. "I believe the total air power, not just my flight, enabled all the special operations forces to make it home that night." His award ceremony was Sept. 30. (Nellis report by SrA. Michael Charles)