The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Patrick K. Shy, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Supporting Arms Coordinator with Marine Observation Squadron 1 Marine Aircraft Group 13 Forward, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific in an OV-10 Aircraft in Kuwait on 25 February 1991. During the morning hours, Major Shy and his pilot launched in support of U.S. Marine forces engaged in combat with Iraqi forces. Working with 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division and without regard for personal safety despite working in extremely adverse weather conditions, he courageously reconnoitered forward of friendly lines. Knowingly putting his aircraft in extreme danger from enemy small arms and numerous anti-aircraft artillery systems, Major Shy located, reported, and brought under fire a brigade of Iraqi armor. Throughout the engagement, placed himself and his aircraft in imminent danger, marking enemy tanks while controlling AH-1W Attack Helicopters, F/A-18 HORNETS and AV-8B HARRIERS. His courage and skillful control of attack aircraft directly contributed to the destruction of an estimated 26 Iraqi armored vehicles. Major Shy’s bold action neutralized a potentially significant Iraqi counter-attack force, enabling the 1st Marine Division advance virtually unchallenged. By his exemplary airmanship, courageous actions, and endless dedication to duty, Major Shy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.