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Eleven members of the Tennessee Air National Guard’s 134th Air Refueling Wing received the Distinguished Flying Cross on Dec. 7 for their heroic actions during a critical mission defending Israel from a barrage of missiles fired by Iran.
The Distinguished Flying Cross — authorized by Congress in 1926 — is awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement during aerial flight. It recognizes acts that go beyond routine operations.
The ceremony — which occurred at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville, Tennessee — honored the aircrews' critical role during Operation True Promise, a coordinated defense effort in response to a historic missile and drone assault on Israel.
The April 13 attack involved more than 300 ballistic and cruise missiles and uncrewed aerial systems making a single, unprecedented strike.
The 134th's aircrews — deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar — enabled U.S. and allied fighter jets to intercept the barrage and prevent massive casualties.
"We had no time to second-guess," said Lt. Col. Willis Parker, a KC-135R Stratotanker pilot with the wing. "We knew what was at stake. The F-15s couldn’t stay in the fight without us."
The KC-135 air crews took to the skies to support Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles that intercepted the attack. The tankers provided aerial refueling to extend the fighters’ limited range and sustain their operational readiness.
This mission was anything but routine, as the air crews operated without onboard defensive systems or advanced situational awareness tools, flying in an environment where missiles and drones filled the skies.
"The aircrew knew the risks," Parker said. "But as tanker crews, we’re the lifeline for the fighters. If we don’t do our job, they can’t do theirs."
Throughout the operation, the 134th's crews offloaded hundreds of thousands of pounds of fuel, enabling the F-15s to intercept and neutralize most of the threats.
Israeli military reports later confirmed that 99% of the missiles and drones were intercepted, thanks to the coordinated efforts of U.S. and allied forces. No lives were lost.
"These airmen exemplify the highest standards of courage and professionalism," said Brig. Gen. Lee Hartley, the Tennessee Guard's assistant adjutant general-Air. "Their actions not only safeguarded lives but also demonstrated the strength of our commitment to our allies and global stability."
Col. Ronald Selvidge, the 134th's wing commander, agreed.
"Their dedication under fire showcases the very best of the Air National Guard," he said. "They performed with composure and skill in the most challenging circumstances."
The award's recipients included Parker, Maj. Lance Welch, Maj. Stacy Sells, Maj. Cody Gaby, Capt. Andrew Weber, Capt. James Spearman, Capt. Joshua Johnson, Tech. Sgt. Hunter Ricks, Tech. Sgt. Gage Seymour, Tech. Sgt. Joshua Osborne and Senior Airman Jonah Parham.
— By 1st Lt. Taylor Nave, 134th Air Refueling Wing
