The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Donn P. Kegel, United States Air Force, for meritorious achievement as Commander and Operations Officer, 16th Special Operations Squadron (Deployed), while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force in the Saudi Arabia theater of operations, from 6 September 1990 to 11 March 1991. During Operation DESERT STORM, Colonel Kegel’s dedication to duty, stamina, and drive were vital to sustaining the momentum of AC-130 combat operations against Iraqi forces. Despite complex command and control relationships, Colonel Kegel was able to coordinate all elements of the equation to maximize the unique war fighting capabilities of the gunship. He shares credit for his unit’s destruction of numerous Iraqi military targets in the defense of Saudi Arabia and the liberation of Kuwait. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Kegel in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.