Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    February 16, 2002

    Headquarters, U.S. Central Command Air Force (USCENTAF), Special Orders G-334 (August 21, 2002)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant Thomas J. Cahill, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 16 February 2002 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    66th Rescue Squadron

    Action Date:

    March 3, 2002

    Department of the Air Force Special Order G-0063

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Thomas J. Cahill, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Patkia Province, Afghanistan, on 3 March 20023. On that date, Lieutenant Cahill launched for a combat rescue mission from a forward areas and refueling point; his skill and systems knowledge were instrumental in getting the aircraft airborne in just eight minutes. His understanding of pararescue capabilities and Army medical evacuation-threat level limitations were instrumental in Air Force combat search and rescue being assigned to prosecute the mission. Once airborne, Lieutenant Cahill expertly navigated the flight through enemy-controlled mountainous terrain at fifty to two hundred feet above ground level in less than five percent equivalent moon illumination. En route, his flight took ground fire that he assessed twenty-three millimeters. Upon arrival at the initial point, he held his flight in an orbit less than half a mile from the landing zone coordinates he was given while he directed an AC-130 to fire on enemy mortar positions. He executed an approach to a landing zone that was incorrectly marked by the overhead AC-130. While in the zone, he was targeted by mortar fire from al Qeada and Taliban forces. On the egress from this zone, his aircraft’s rotor speed began to decay due to the high gross weight and density altitude. Lieutenant Cahill flew his aircraft at ninety-four percent rotor speed for almost two minutes before he could weave his way out of the terrain. Until his aircraft gained flying speed, he continued to be under fire. If not for his uncanny skills, the aircraft’s rotor speed would have continued to decay, resulting in a crash sequence. Once the correct landing zone was located, he directed his wingman into the landing zone, while his aircraft assumed an overhead defensive position. Upon departure, he led his formation back through the terrain to the refueling point. The flight arrived with less than nine minutes of fuel onboard. While on the ground he directed a transfer of the least critical patients to his aircraft and transferred the senior pararescueman to provide medical treatment to the litter critical patient. After refueling, he led the flight to the forward surgical team at the hospital in Bagram, Afghanistan. His leadership as rescue mission On Scene Commander resulted in three lives saved. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Lieutenant Cahill has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.