The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Michael M. Moeding, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a KC-135R Instructor Pilot, 913th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, 384th Expeditionary Operations Group, 384th Air Expeditionary Wing, deployed to a classified location in the United States Central Command’s area of responsibility on 13 January 2003 in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On that date, while flying over enemy territory, his KC-135R aircraft suffered a total loss of a transponder, as well as all control and navigation display systems. Unable to restore the affected systems, Major Moeding demonstrated superb leadership and crew resource management skills by directing the copilot and boom operator to use dead reckoning navigation to arrange a rendezvous with another KC-135R in the area of operations. Major Moeding then coordinated with the responding crew to escort his crippled tanker to a deployed forward operating runway. His outstanding efforts ensured the safe recovery of his aircraft and crew and the completion of a successful and critical combat mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Moeding reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.