Air National Guard Pilots Earn Top Combat Honor

Three Air National Guard pilots have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of the U.S. military’s highest honors for aerial achievement, recognizing their extraordinary valor and skill during combat missions in the Middle East. The awards, detailed in the February 5 article titled “Three Air National Guard pilots awarded top flying combat honor” by Military Times, mark a rare distinction for Guard personnel and underscore their increasing role in frontline military operations.

The pilots—Maj. Stephen Beattie and Capt. Brian Werkhoven of the South Carolina Air National Guard’s 169th Fighter Wing, and Maj. Joshua Kubal of the Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing—each played critical roles in combat engagements that occurred in 2023 while deployed to the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility.

Maj. Beattie and Capt. Werkhoven both flew F-16 Fighting Falcons during high-risk missions in Iraq and Syria. According to the Military Times report, their missions included direct support of ground troops under fire, the destruction of hostile targets that posed immediate threats, and rapid adaptability during complex air tasking orders. Their actions were credited with saving the lives of U.S. and coalition forces on the ground.

Maj. Kubal, a member of a unit widely recognized for its operational readiness, executed lifesaving close air support missions under intense enemy fire during a particularly volatile engagement. His precision and calm under pressure were cited as instrumental in safeguarding personnel and preventing further escalation.

The Distinguished Flying Cross, established in 1926, is awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. While it has been historically tied to high-profile missions and decorated pilots, the citation of National Guard aviators for such high honors reflects broader trends in the U.S. military’s increasing reliance on part-time and reserve forces for active combat deployment. Military analysts note that these awards draw attention to a growing parity between active-duty and Guard components in modern warfare environments.

Col. Quaid Quadri, commander of the 169th Fighter Wing, told Military Times that the recognition of his pilots underscores their professionalism and readiness. “Our citizen-airmen consistently deliver world-class capabilities,” Quadri said. “These honors are well-earned.”

As the Air National Guard continues to expand its operational footprint, such decorations convey not only individual valor but also the evolving nature of the Guard’s mission in an era marked by persistent conflict and complex strategic demands. Pentagon officials have acknowledged the increasing demand for Guard aviators in theater operations, often calling upon units such as the 169th and 180th due to their proven integration with active-duty counterparts.

The awards serve as a testament to the dedication and bravery of service members whose part-time civilian lives often hide their extraordinary contributions on the global stage.