11 Tennessee Air National Guard members receive Distinguished Flying Cross

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) -- Eleven members of the Tennessee Air National Guard’s 134th Air Refueling Wing were awarded one of the U.S. military's most prestigious honors, the Distinguished Flying Cross, on Saturday for the extraordinary heroism and aerial achievement demonstrated during an April mission.

According to the 134th Air Refueling Wing, the ceremony at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base highlighted the "critical role played by these Airmen during a coordinated defense effort in response to one of the largest missile and drone attacks in history."

During "Operation True Promise" on April 13, officials said Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel involving more than 300 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial systems in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike earlier that month. This assault required immediate action by the U.S. and allied forces, so the 134th aircrews -- which were deployed to the 350th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar -- reportedly provided essential aerial refueling support to U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, ensuring their continued ability to intercept and neutralize the threat.

The military said the tanker crews carried out their refueling duties while in the direct line of fire, in contested airspace, without onboard defensive systems or advanced situational awareness tools. The crews' professionalism, composure, and skill under such conditions were critical to the mission’s success.

Over the course of the operation, the crews from the 134th offloaded hundreds of thousands of pounds of fuel, extending the fighters’ on-station time and allowing them to intercept 99% of the missiles and drones launched by Iran, according to officials.

U.S. Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Lee Hartley, Tennessee Assistant Adjutant General, Air, emphasized the significance of their actions, saying, "These Airmen faced extraordinary danger with unwavering courage and professionalism. Their dedication not only safeguarded lives but also upheld the values and commitments of the United States to its allies."

The 134th Air Refueling Wing provided the following list of award recipients from Saturday, Dec. 7:

• Lt. Col. Willis 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
• Senior Airman Jonah Parham

"This mission required precision, adaptability, and unparalleled resolve," stated U.S. Air National Guard Col. Ronald Selvidge, commander of the 134th Air Refueling Wing. "The actions of these Airmen ensured the protection of countless lives and demonstrated the critical importance of aerial refueling to mission success."

The military said the recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross are now part of an elite group of aviators whose exceptional heroism and aerial flight skills have made significant contributions to mission success and global stability