DFC Over Baghdad by Rick Herter

On 10, April 2003 A-10 Warthogs from the 110FW 172 FS flew a harrowing mission wherein Lt. Col. Dave "Baja" Kennedy and Maj. Scott "Hoss" Cuel answered a call from U.S. ground troops for desperately needed close air support.

An embattled Marine Corps unit was pinned down by RPG and small arms fire from an Iraqi Army and insurgent force. The Marines were taking heavy casualties and unable to evacuate their wounded. The commanding officer called the Warthogs in to lay down fire only a few meters away from his own troops. The guns pass by the A-10's broke the back of the Iraqi ambush and saved the lives of over fifty Marines. For their actions that day, Kennedy and Cuel were awarded the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross.

Signatures

Lt. Col. Dave "Baja" KENNEDY

Maj. Scott "Hoss" CUEL