The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Walter H. Stammer, III, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of an F/A-18C Aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron One Three Seven onboard U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CV 64) deployed with Commander, United States Fifth Fleet in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on 21 March 2003. Commander Stammer performed his flying duties with exceptional courage, heroism, and the highest degree of airmanship. As the Mission Element Commander of a four-aircraft package, he masterfully led his element into the Super Missile Engagement Zone around Baghdad, successfully attacking the Salman Pak Republican Guard Headquarters. Launching on the first strike of the opening night of Operation Iraqi Freedom, his element of strikers were the first non-stealth coalition aircraft to penetrate the Super Missile Engagement Zone protecting the Iraqi capital. He heroically elected to press on to the target with two of his critical Suppression of Enemy Defenses assets unavailable to provide protection. While observing in excess of 15 surface-to-air missile launches directly in his path, his flight defended against numerous anti-aircraft artillery bursts. He expertly delivered three GBU-35 Joint Direct Attack Munition bombs that completely destroyed the assigned target. By his superb airmanship, inspiring courage, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions, Commander Stammer reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.