Pilot Receives Distinguished Flying Cross
KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea, Sept. 13, 2007 — An F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 35th Fighter Squadron here was recently awarded the Distinguish Flying Cross for his extraordinary achievement while flying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Capt. David Anderson, a 35th FS flight commander, received the medal from Col. C.Q. Brown, the 8th Fighter Wing commander.
“Captain Anderson distinguished himself with courage and flight skill during combat operations enabling ground forces to get out of harm’s way,” Brown said. “It was my honor to award him the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is one shining example of many airmen who contribute to the fight every day.”
http://www.defenselink.mil/home/faceofdefense/fod/2007-09/f20070913a.html
Early on the morning of Nov.16, on a routine combat mission Capt David Anderson flew under the call sign of Hound72.next to flight leader Sweeney....
"By the time we arrived on station the Army platoon that needed support had been in continuous contact with the enemy for 40 hours," said Anderson...
"We were flying at 12,000 feet when our radios exploded with the sound of Brewmaster 46(on the ground fighting) screaming that they (Army ground troops) were under attack...and pinned down
" Anderson executed a 4th low pass of the target area in an attempt to gain sight of the enemy. Flying over the target area at 300 feet at 500 knots, he was able to catch sight of both US troops and insurgents just meters apart."...
..."In three successive strafe passes,I fired all 510 rounds in my gun, silencing the enemy positions.
Brewmaster 46 said in later conversations he was so close to the enemy that as my high explosive 20 MM rounds impacted, he was showered by dirt and debris."...
Six enemy were killed just before they set up a 60 MM mortar with 8 rounds to fire at our guys... The distinguished flying cross was awarded to pilot David Anderson...