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 Captain Daniel J. Cruz, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HAWG-17 Flight Lead near Khowst, Afghanistan on 21 August 2007. On that date, Captain Cruz’s airmanship and courage displayed under hazardous conditions culminated in an extremely successful Operation ENDURING FREEDOM mission. While airborne, Captain Cruz was diverted to support a combined United States and Afghan National Army outpost that had been overrun by 40 anti-Coalition troops. Friendly forces were driven from their outpost and under attack from small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. They had already suffered 12 casualties and one fatality. With no Joint Terminal Attack Controller available, Captain Cruz was forced to use emergency close air support procedures, working directly with Chosin Six, the on-scene ground commander, while flying in mountainous terrain under constant small arms fire. Chosin Six informed the flight that they were pinned down by the enemy who was within 50 meters, and that all attacks would be inside “danger close” criteria. Captain Cruz marked the target with a 30 millimeter from low-angle deliveries and pressing as close as possible to the enemy in order to reduce the risk to friendly forces. Their formation killed five confirmed enemy combatants including a high-ranking Taliban commander, forcing them to break contact and retreat into the nearby mountains ending the battle. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Cruz reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.