Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Randy S. Wenzel, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the armed forces of the Republic of Iraq on 20 January 1991. On that date, while flying in a short-notice tasking 50 aircraft composite strike package targeted against a SCUD surface-to-surface missile launching site in western Iraq, his flight successfully attacked their assigned target destroying the site and two SCUD missiles and launchers, as well as a supporting anti-aircraft artillery site. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of enemy aircraft fire, skillfully delivered his bombs, scoring a direct hit on his target. As a direct result of his actions, Iraq’s ability to prepare and launch SCUD missiles against Israel was significantly reduced. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Wenzel 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:

    January 18, 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 with Combat “V” to Major Randy S. Wenzel, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight during military operations against the Republic of Iraq, Baghdad, on 18 January 1991. On that date, he led major strike elements in the largest multi-national coalition strike force of Operation DESERT STORM. Over 90 strike aircraft, in conjunction with over 70 support aircraft, attacked three separate target areas located 15 miles from central Baghdad in a 20 minute time period. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of intense surface-to-air missile activity, Major Wenzel attacked the Habbiniyah artillery mission. Iraq’s ability to produce replacement artillery guns for frontline action was severely reduced. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Wenzel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.