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 Vincent Mancuso, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4G pilot over Baghdad, Iraq on the night of 16 January 1991. On this date Captain Mancuso was the deputy mission commander for an eight-ship formation of F-4Gs providing air defense suppression for eight F-111s and two F-117s attacking the Salman Pak chemical and biological weapons facility. The mission was given the highest priority for completion by the CENTAF commander. The mission penetrated 400 miles into enemy territory, at night, in bad weather and without air cover. Without regard for personal safety, Captain Mancuso exposed himself to heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire and the heaviest concentration of surface-to-air missile systems in Iraq. Despite violent defensive maneuvers, Captain Mancuso maintained formation throughout the engagement and destruction of an SA-8 and an SA-3 at the target. The corridor opened by Captain Mancuso allowed the strikers to destroy their targets and leave untouched by hostile fire. The mission was declared a resounding success by higher headquarters. Captain Mancuso displayed extraordinary courage throughout this mission, persevering despite continuous enemy fire. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Mancuso reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Captain Vincent Mancuso, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4G Pilot in western Iraq on 21 January 1991. On that date, Captain Mancuso flew a night, airborne SCUD missile alert mission involving numerous tanker rejoins and re-fuelings all conducted in extremely poor weather. After being airborne for seven hours and approaching physical exhaustion, Captain Mancuso’s flight learned of an ongoing search and rescue mission being engaged by surface-to-air missile systems. His flight confirmed their replacements were en route, and without regard for personal safety, they voluntarily proceeded one hundred miles into Iraq. He remained on station for over 20 minutes allowing the search and rescue forces to rescue the downed F-14 Pilot and leave untouched by hostile fire. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Mancuso reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.