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 Clay T. McCutchan, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as AC-130A crewmember near Howard Air Force Base, Republic of Panama on 20 December 1989. On that date, while exposed to extreme danger from hostile anti-aircraft artillery fire, Major McCutchan’s professionalism and attention to detail directly impacted on the success of air operations during Operation JUST CAUSE and in the saving of over 40 American lives. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major McCutchan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.orgThe 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 to Major Clay T. McCutchan, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as AC-130A co-pilot over northern Kuwait on 26 February 1991. During this period, Major McCutchan demonstrated the highest degree of courage, perseverance, and aerial skill while flawlessly accomplishing an intense, high-risk combat interdiction mission across heavily defended enemy lines in support of the ground assault phase of Operation DESERT STORM. His crew led a daring, three-gunship assault which contributed to the quick capture and decisive defeat of enemy forces in the area. At great risk to their own safety, they skillfully inflicted significant damage on numerous enemy combat transportation assets and personnel. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major McCutchan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Clay T. McCutchan, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General McCutchan and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.