Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, presents the Distinguished Flying Cross to Master Sgt. Zachary Cooper, during the 363d Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing Commander’s Leadership Summit, March 28, 2023 at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. Cooper was recognized for his actions during a force protection patrol clearing operations against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda presence in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan in February 2019. (Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. AJ Hyatt)
By: FEDweek StaffAn airman who “displayed his knowledge and outstanding airmanship under hazardous conditions” while helping to ensure the safety of comrades during a combat operation in Afghanistan has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross – the service’s fourth-highest honor for valor.
Because Master Sgt. Zachary Cooper is a tactical systems operator, many of the details of the operation in which he took part are still classified.
“Keep in mind, DFCs are not handed out for routine sorties,” Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, said during the April 7 ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. “You have to display heroic efforts.”
Cooper was attached to the 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Wing and serving on a force protection patrol clearing operation in Helmand province in February 2019, the record shows. His actions would protect more than 180 U.S. and partner ground troops who were under heavy fire. The Air Force statement referred to Cooper as “the sole armed overhead asset” during the operation, crediting him with determining why a weapon system on his aircraft was not working and then fixing it. Once the weapon worked again, the aircrew “was able to conduct multiple kinetic strikes, several of which were [dangerously] close to friendly forces,” the Air Force stated.
Cooper oversaw tactical command-and-control efforts, calling in air strikes by F-16 pilots to alleviate a dangerous and deteriorating situation for the troops below. The planes responded by destroying numerous buildings and enemy assets. He then went on to coordinate the rescue of two seriously wounded comrades on the ground.
“I am honored and humbled to be recognized with my crew for the support we were able to provide to the assault force that night,” Cooper said as he accepted the award. “It was one of those nights, like many others, where things just clicked for us as a team and we were able to do the right things at the right times. It really was a team effort and the professionalism of all involved was second to none.”
Trump to move Space Command headquarters out of Colorado
National Guard Order Calls for Hiring More Fed LEOs, Military Unit Under Interior, DHS, Justice
Audit: Rise in ‘Severe Staffing Shortages’ at VA Medical Facilities
Marines Seek New Boots on the Ground
Can My Military Discharge be Upgraded? Yes
The Rules for Getting Both Military Retired Pay and a Federal Annuity
Credit for Military Service for Federal Retirement Annuities
