On December 7, 2024, eleven members of the 134th Air Refueling Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard were honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their exceptional bravery during a critical mission earlier this year. The award ceremony took place at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Tennessee.
The Distinguished Flying Cross, established by Congress in 1926, is awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement during aerial flight. This prestigious award is given to individuals who perform acts that surpass routine operations.
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The honored aircrews played a pivotal role during Operation True Promise, a defense mission in response to a large-scale missile and drone attack by Iran on Israel on April 13, 2024. The attack involved over 300 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial systems. The 134th Air Refueling Wing, deployed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, was crucial in supporting U.S. and allied fighter jets that intercepted the threats and prevented significant casualties.
Lt. Col. Willis Parker, a KC-135R Stratotanker pilot, highlighted the urgency of their task, stating, “We had no time to second-guess. We knew what was at stake.” The aircrews provided aerial refueling to the U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, extending their range and maintaining their operational readiness. The mission was challenging due to the absence of onboard defensive systems or advanced situational awareness tools amid the missile and drone-filled skies.
Despite the risks, the aircrews offloaded a substantial amount of fuel, enabling the fighter jets to effectively neutralize the threats. Reports confirmed that 99% of the missiles and drones were intercepted, resulting in no casualties.
Brig. Gen. Lee Hartley, Tennessee Assistant Adjutant General, praised the airmen’s courage and professionalism, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring global stability and supporting allies. Col. Ronald Selvidge, commander of the 134th Air Refueling Wing, commended their dedication under fire, acknowledging their composure and skill in challenging circumstances.
The ceremony celebrated the bravery of the eleven Airmen and highlighted the essential role of the 134th Air Refueling Wing in global military operations. The recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross include Lt. Col. Willis Parker, Maj. Lance Welch, Maj. Stacy Sells, Maj. Cody Gaby, Capt. Andrew Weber, Capt. James Spearman, Capt. Joshua Johnson, Tech. Sgt. Hunter Ricks, Tech. Sgt. Gage Seymour, Tech. Sgt. Joshua Osborne, and Senior Airman Jonah Parham.
In closing, Brig. Gen. Hartley offered a salute to the honorees, recognizing their contributions to their Wing, country, and allied forces.
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