bobdina
08-26-2009, 09:35 AM
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy".
It's equivalent is The Military cross
Major Mark Hammond - Royal Marines - Distinguished Flying Cross
"On the night of 6 September, Major Mark Hammond, Royal Marines, was a pilot deployed to Afghanistan with No. 18(B) Squadron. His Chinook crew were on standby when the Sangin platoon house was attacked resulting in one soldier suffering a life-threatening injury. Despite the known threat of Taliban anti-aircraft weapons, his aircraft was scrambled to retrieve the casualty accompanied by two Apache Helicopters. As the overall Mission Leader, Major Hammond directed the Apaches to remain overhead while he made a quick and aggressive approach in order to land. On departing the landing site with the casualty, the aircraft was engaged ground machine gun fire. Using outstanding piloting skills, Major Hammond successfully carried out evasive manoeuvres while the crewmen returned fire and the aircraft escaped unscathed.
"On arrival at Camp Bastion, he was immediately directed to return to Musa Qala to recover another critical casualty. The only available landing site was next to the compound that had just been attacked, however, despite the serious risk to his aircraft and crew, Major Hammond began a fast and low approach but the weight of accurate ground fire forced the landing to be aborted. The supporting Apaches witnessed two rocket propelled grenades pass just 10 metres above and below the aircraft and all three crewmen returned fire in an attempt to suppress the firing points, killing at least two Taliban.
"On returning to base, four rounds were found to have hit Hammond's aircraft, one causing serious and almost catastrophic damage to a blade root. At this stage it would have been simple for him to declare that the threat was too high to return to Musa Qala. But without hesitation he decided to attempt another recovery using a new aircraft. The mission was an outstanding success under heavy fire.
"Any one of the three separate engagements on the night of 6 September would have been sufficient to shake most men, but Major Hammond remained calm, resolute and dedicated throughout and his actions merit the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross."
It's equivalent is The Military cross
Major Mark Hammond - Royal Marines - Distinguished Flying Cross
"On the night of 6 September, Major Mark Hammond, Royal Marines, was a pilot deployed to Afghanistan with No. 18(B) Squadron. His Chinook crew were on standby when the Sangin platoon house was attacked resulting in one soldier suffering a life-threatening injury. Despite the known threat of Taliban anti-aircraft weapons, his aircraft was scrambled to retrieve the casualty accompanied by two Apache Helicopters. As the overall Mission Leader, Major Hammond directed the Apaches to remain overhead while he made a quick and aggressive approach in order to land. On departing the landing site with the casualty, the aircraft was engaged ground machine gun fire. Using outstanding piloting skills, Major Hammond successfully carried out evasive manoeuvres while the crewmen returned fire and the aircraft escaped unscathed.
"On arrival at Camp Bastion, he was immediately directed to return to Musa Qala to recover another critical casualty. The only available landing site was next to the compound that had just been attacked, however, despite the serious risk to his aircraft and crew, Major Hammond began a fast and low approach but the weight of accurate ground fire forced the landing to be aborted. The supporting Apaches witnessed two rocket propelled grenades pass just 10 metres above and below the aircraft and all three crewmen returned fire in an attempt to suppress the firing points, killing at least two Taliban.
"On returning to base, four rounds were found to have hit Hammond's aircraft, one causing serious and almost catastrophic damage to a blade root. At this stage it would have been simple for him to declare that the threat was too high to return to Musa Qala. But without hesitation he decided to attempt another recovery using a new aircraft. The mission was an outstanding success under heavy fire.
"Any one of the three separate engagements on the night of 6 September would have been sufficient to shake most men, but Major Hammond remained calm, resolute and dedicated throughout and his actions merit the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross."