Travis Air Force refuelers honored for heroism

modbee ^ | 11-20-04

[LouAvul]

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AP) - Two British Royal Air Force jets were dangerously low on fuel over Iraq when a crew from Travis Air Force Base risked their lives and their refueling tanker to save them, the military says.

The four crew members were recently awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses for their bravery.

The incident occurred during last year's invasion of Iraq, when the two British Tornadoes were within two minutes of running out of fuel.

The Travis-based members of the 6th Air Refueling Squadron dropped their KC-10 Extender tanker to a lower altitude and dumped some of their own fuel to create an aerial marker to guide the British pilots in. Both acts potentially exposed the crew and plane to an easier attack from Iraqi forces on the ground.

............

Honored last month were Capt. Samuel Smith, Capt. John Distefano Jr., Tech. Sgt. Timothy McCallum and Staff Sgt. Scott Steinhauer.

[Gunrunner2]

Darn. . .I forgot he went over to fly in the war to re-validate his war hero status.

Thanks for reminding me.

[Pukin Dog]

No problem. Hell, the only time a Tornado aint minutes from Bingo is on the ramp before they spool up.

[Gunrunner2]

Yeah, and they declare emergency fuel on departure leg.

I hate to say it, but I simply can't support my beloved Air Force over this one. . .I can't.

[Pukin Dog]

Not to pile on your beloved AF, but this is pretty common stuff for your boys in blue.

It was fun at Miramar to hear how you folks went nuts after Randy got 3-4 and 5, and the AF started vectoring Richie and Olds towards every MiG sighting looking for glory.

[Gunrunner2]

"Not to pile on your beloved AF, but this is pretty common stuff for your boys in blue."

Not usually this bad. . .but I got no room to stand today so I'll let it go. . .but NEXT time, watch out!

[mad_as_he$$]

About time the gas haulers got some praise. Very dangerous and boring job, with which the fighter jockey's would be SOL.

On the other hand leave to the Brits to run out of gas on the freeway.

[USNBandit]

A KC-10 with wing refueling pods can fuel two tornadoes at a time. The Tornado has a probe not a receptacle, unlike AF fighter which have that whole male/female relationship backwards. Of course if you are comfortable having a big tanker poke the backside of your aircraft with a large probe....

[5Madman2]

I would have to concur-While the tankers are grossly underecognized for some of the things they do, the AF is one of the worst with medal inflation.

I've seen guys get Bronze Stars for doing what would have got them a simple Commendation Medal if it wasn't in a Combat Theater.

On the other hand there was a tanker crew in Gulf War I that literally dragged a damaged A-10 back to the airfield on its boom, and released it so it could do an emergency landing. Quite a Nice bit of flying on that one. Saved the plane (although it need extensive repair) and probably the aircrew.

Don't know what that tanker crew was awarded, but they deserved something

[Gunrunner2]

What really throws the curve regarding USAF medals are the admin pukes. . .these guys NEVER miss a medal or an award, and they work in air conditioning and protected environments, whereas the line dawgs (SP's are most certainly included) get out there, under all sorts of conditions, and muck it out. . .and then we have to know the admin rules and regs and policies just to get anything done, and Lord help you if it is a "down day" for "training.

[5Madman2]

Speaking as a retired SP, I know full well what you mean. Even within the SPs, there are the pretty boys and prefumed princes that work only for the next medal or check mark for promotion.

That was the dude I saw get the Bronze Star-When I heard the write up, my only thought was that from now on, the only AF Bronze Stars I would give any cred to would have the "V" Device

[Gunrunner2]

Understood. After Gulf War I, where I was a ground FAC, I saw the REMF Air Force Admin guys get all sorts of gongs, while I could hardly get my GTACS anything more than a "thanks" and a pat on the back.

[sargunner]

Agree that the DFC was not appropriate given the info we have. As a former AF flyer I have crewed missions where DFCs were earned and even sometimes awarded. But as we all know by now, the best way to earn a DFC is to voluntarily turn your aircraft and crew over to the enemy ala Shane Osborn. Then cut a sweet book deal. Screwing the pooch just wasn't what it used to be.

[Gunrunner2]

Here's one for you:

Gulf War I ended and I had run a few air strikes and CAS, even shot my 9mm at the bad guys. I was gritty and in no good humor. My team and I were one of the first FACs/GTACs to be released, and we loaded up the Hummer, put Dharan in the GPS and drove 30-hrs straight to get to the base, King Fhad.

We were dusty, tired and hungry when we arrived.

First stop was chow hall and we went inside, wearing our LBE's, with my pistol and bayonet my hip, and GAU-5 over my shoulder (cleared, of course). As we went through the line some Lt Col admin type in pressed cammo came up to me and said, "Captain, I don't know what kind of war you were in, but were we in a gentleman's war. . .now, get ride of that mustache!"

I admit it. . I let my 'stach grow into a handle-bar and I told my Brigade commander that FAC's were allowed this because of special war-time rules based on historical reason's. . .don't think he bought it, but I planted enough doubt he left me alone about it.

Anyway, after this clean, starched and prim Lt Col challenged me, boldly and loudly, I became enraged, quickly. Not my usual temperament. I shot a glare at him and he backed off. . .must have seen something in my eyes.

[5Madman2]

Gulf War I changed my whole perspective. I had been a very gung-ho type, Instructor at the SP Academy for Ground Combat Skills, 81mm Mortar Gunner and FDC Chief, and very active with Emergency Services Teams (SWAT). I tolerated the peacetime politics, but hated it.

I kept hearing that it would go away when there was a war, and that the people like me would be ones everyone turned to.

The politics continued, people like me were selectively used to make things happen, but put in the corner when not absolutely needed, because we said things that hurt peoples feelings and wanted to take care of the troops and the mission instead of the appropriate blocks on our performance reports.

I fought with a turd capt and another E-7 for almost 8 months during that deployment. I earned my less than perfect EPR and I am very proud of it. He ended up RIF'ed and the other E-7 never made it to E-8 and retired long before I did.

It forced me to re-look at how I did things and find ways to make things happen for the mission and troops that were a little easier for the REMFs to tolerate, without compromising principles.

I hated every minute of it, but the experience has served well ever since

[5Madman2]

I have come in from the field many times and had a REMF comment on the smell.

My reply was "I've earned it, what have you done today"

The beer always tastes much better after you've ruined one of their days and made them go away with a slight look of fear

[Gunrunner2]

Understand where you are coming from.

[Gunrunner2]

Sweet it is. . .

[5Madman2]

Yes, it sounds like we have had similar experiences, probably caused by a similar mind set

Good talking to you, will watch for you on the board

Da Madman

[Gunrunner2]

Same to ya. . .see ya around.

[USNBandit]

touche.