🇺🇸 34年後榮耀再現：沙漠風暴行動阿帕契直升機組員獲頒傑出飛行十字勳章

2025年5月15日，美國陸軍在田納西州納什維爾舉行的陸軍航空任務解決方案峰會（Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit）上，向15名參與1991年「沙漠風暴行動」（Operation Desert Storm）開場任務的阿帕契直升機（AH-64 Apache）組員頒發了傑出飛行十字勳章（Distinguished Flying Cross）。

這些組員隸屬於第101航空團第1營（1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment），當年組成「諾曼第特遣隊」（Task Force Normandy），執行了沙漠風暴行動的首次攻擊任務。他們駕駛8架阿帕契直升機，在4架空軍MH-53J Pave Low直升機的引導下，深入伊拉克境內90英里，成功摧毀了兩個伊拉克早期預警雷達站，為聯軍戰機開闢了一條20英里寬的空中走廊，標誌著空中攻勢的開始。

這次任務持續了15小時，組員們在夜間作戰中發射了27枚地獄火飛彈（Hellfire missiles）、數百枚火箭彈和數千發30毫米機炮彈藥。任務完成後，這些組員原本僅獲得了帶有「V」字裝飾的空軍勳章（Air Medals with “V” devices）。經過多年努力，時任營長的退役上將理查德·「迪克」·科迪（Richard “Dick” Cody）成功為他們爭取到了更高榮譽的傑出飛行十字勳章。

🔍 三大觀察重點

歷史功勳獲得應有肯定
- 34年後，參與沙漠風暴行動開場任務的阿帕契直升機組員終於獲得了更高榮譽的傑出飛行十字勳章，彰顯了他們在戰爭初期所展現的英勇行動。
任務戰術意義重大
- 「諾曼第特遣隊」的成功行動有效削弱了伊拉克的空防能力，為聯軍後續的空中攻勢鋪平了道路，顯示了特種作戰在現代戰爭中的關鍵作用。
軍中領導者的持續努力
- 退役上將科迪多年來持續為部屬爭取應有的榮譽，展現了軍中領導者對部屬的關懷與責任感，並強調了對歷史功勳的重視。

🌐 地理位置標示（GPS）

納什維爾，田納西州（Nashville, Tennessee）
- 緯度：36.1627° N
- 經度：86.7816° W
伊拉克早期預警雷達站（任務目標區域）
- 由於任務的機密性，具體位置未公開，但行動深入伊拉克境內約90英里。

🇺🇸 Desert Storm Apache Crews Awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses

On May 15, 2025, the U.S. Army honored 15 aviators from the 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment with the Distinguished Flying Cross at the Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit in Nashville, Tennessee. These aviators were part of Task Force Normandy, which initiated Operation Desert Storm’s air campaign on January 17, 1991.

The mission involved eight AH-64 Apache helicopters guided by four Air Force MH-53J Pave Low helicopters. They penetrated 90 miles into Iraqi territory at night, destroying two early warning radar sites, thereby creating a 20-mile-wide corridor for coalition aircraft.

During the 15-hour mission, the crews launched 27 Hellfire missiles, hundreds of rockets, and thousands of 30mm rounds. Initially awarded Air Medals with “V” devices, the aviators’ honors were upgraded after persistent efforts by their former commander, retired Gen. Richard “Dick” Cody.

🔍 Three Key Takeaways

Recognition of Historic Valor
- Thirty-four years after their mission, the aviators received the Distinguished Flying Cross, acknowledging their pivotal role in initiating Operation Desert Storm.
Strategic Impact of the Mission
- Task Force Normandy’s successful operation significantly weakened Iraqi air defenses, facilitating the coalition’s subsequent air campaign.
Leadership’s Role in Honoring Service
- Retired Gen. Cody’s dedication to securing appropriate recognition for his former subordinates highlights the importance of leadership in honoring military service.

🌐 GPS Coordinates

Nashville, Tennessee
- Latitude: 36.1627° N
- Longitude: 86.7816° W
Iraqi Early Warning Radar Sites (Mission Target Area)
- Specific locations undisclosed due to operational security; approximately 90 miles into Iraqi territory.