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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Richard L. Pauly, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-10 fighter pilot during Operation Desert Storm on 27 February 1991. On that date, Major Pauly displayed outstanding airmanship and courage, under extremely hazardous conditions, while employing his aircraft against elements of the elite Medina armored Division of the Republican Guards Forces Command, which were actively engaged with units of the United States first Armored Division. Despite automatic weapons and heavy antiaircraft artillery fire and reported Surface-to Air missile launches, Major Pauly successfully employed MK-20 Rockeye Cluster Munitions and the A-10’s 30-mm. cannon against second echelon armor arrayed against and firing upon elements of the Second Brigade, first Armored Division. This was done under extremely poor weather conditions. The outstanding heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Major Pauly reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    February 2, 1991
    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    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 Richard L. Pauly, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-10 fighter pilot in Kuwait on 2 February 1991. On that date, Major Pauly displayed outstanding airmanship and courage under extremely hazardous conditions, while employing his aircraft against a heavily defended Iraqi radar site. Despite encountering accurate antiaircraft artillery and infrared surface-to-air missile fire that hit the cockpit of his aircraft, the flight successfully disabled this high value target, and Major Pauly was able to successfully land his crippled aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Pauly reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.