Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    7440th Combat Wing (Provisional)

    Action Date:

    February 18, 1991

    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 Kevin J. McElroy, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed enemy of the United States as an Electronic Warfare Officer, 7440th Combat Wing (Provisional), Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, on 18 February 1991. On that date, Lieutenant McElroy’s dedication and professionalism under extreme stress directly contributed to the destruction of airfield complexes at Qayyarah South and Qayyarah West in northern Iraq and saved a valuable EF-111 aircraft that experienced a serous malfunction resulting in a double engine compressor stall leaving only idle thrust available. Lieutenant McElroy quickly ran through emergency checklist procedures to assist the pilot in recovering engine thrust and at the same time continued to jam enemy acquisition and ground controlled intercept radars. Finally, while deep in an intense anti-aircraft artillery envelope, one engine recovered allowing the aircraft to climb and continue jamming. As a result, not one of the 40 attack package aircraft was lost or damaged by enemy ground based radar threats and an extremely valuable EF-111 aircraft was recovered safely. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant McElroy has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.