Maj. Pat Houtman, a Delaware Air National Guard C-130 pilot, has received a Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during a November 2004 supply mission over Afghanistan. The transport had a heavy load and 10 passengers when it came under fire. The Delaware News Journal reports that Houtman credited his five ANG crewmen with the experience, training, and teamwork needed to get the Hercules out of danger.
The U.S. began extensive air and artillery strikes against Islamic State group targets in Syria on Dec. 19 in retaliation for the killing of three Americans on Dec. 13 by a gunman affiliated with ISIS, U.S. officials said.
