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Show I. NEWS .JJy 12. 1991 r KM (o(o by Sgt. Gary Kunlch 363th TFW Public Affairs A British Royal Air Force fighter pi- "All of the pilots who participated in killer scout missions encountered mis'siles and many Iraqi surface-to-ai- r artillery fire," the wing commander explained. "Each mission kept the pilots deep in enemy territory for two to three hours and they routinely had to attack the surface-to-ai- r threat systems and suppress their fire before other coalition pilots could fly into the area. All of the pilots were at great risk during each mission." Smith is one of 12 RAF pilots who will receive the award for Desert Storm and the only one who is assigned to an American fighter squadron, under an exchange program both countries share. anti-aircra- lot assigned to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing has been approved for his country's third highest military decoration for his participation in Operation Desert Storm. Flight Lt. Edward Smith, a member of the 4 th Tactical Fighter Squadron, will receive the British Distinguished Flying Cross for actions he took during "killer scout" missions over Kuwait and Iraq while flying with the American unit. The flight lieutenant, whose rank is equivalent to a captain in the U.S. Air Force, was nominated for the award by Col. Michael Navarro, 388th TFW F-1- Hilltop Times 6 commander. "Because this is such a high award, I'm very honored and pleased," Smith said after learning of the award. "When I got notification of the award from the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., the first thing I felt was surprise and disbelief. We knew our missions were dangerous, but when you're in the air, you block fear out of your head. We didn't realize how truly dangerous the job was until we were finished." The killer scout missions entailed identifying targets from high altitudes, then dropping bombs to destroy or mark those targets for other aircraft to attack. According to Navarro, bad weather and enemy fire made the job that much more difficult, requiring pilots to fly beneath the smoke and clouds. ft Wing Commander Norry Bell, whose rank is equivalent to a U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, and is stationed at the British Embassy, said the Distinguished Flying Cross may be pinned on by Queen Elizabeth II in a cere mony at Buckingham Palace. That hasn't been verified yet; however, the prospect is something the young fighter pilot from Hill said he's very excited about. "I've had a chance to meet the queen once before When and she's very she talks to you, she's very alert and listens to everything you say. Hopefully, my entire family will be able to go back for the award." T'-r- , A X. A. , 1 g. awe-inspirin- Smith was assigned to the 4 th TFS in September 1989 after completing 6 pilot training at Luke AFB, Ariz. Although he'll probably go back to the RAF permanently by the end of the year, he said he'll always remember his F-1- Military U.S. Aif Force Photo by Syt Gory Kunich British medal winner Crew chief, SSgt. Timothy Kimsey, right, helps prepare Flight Lt. Edward Smith for a flight. Both are assigned to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. experience with the American squad- ron, during peace and war. "The 4th TFS pilots are a very professional group of people and I've enjoyed the opportunity I 've had to fly with them, Combat brought out the best in all of us and the important thing is, we all performed as a team." - Civilian Personnel Convenient and Quick Cash!! Cash for personal needs, vacations, etc. YU ID or Civilian ID and Post Dated Check is all you need. IF YOU NEED INSTANT CASH, COME SEE US AT 300 EAST GENTILE ST. OPEN m m-m .... MON.-THUR- '.....'..'''.''''''JPU'-'-'-'-.v.v.v.- ' aVw ,W y. t mem Military J'". S. (Inside Layton IAYTON, UTAH FRI. 10 TO 5:30 Mini-Mal- l) 10 TO 5 SAT. 12 TO 4 v.v.ijVAv.y.vAV.,.v.v.',v.'l.' . t i .. 4 |
