DFC Goes to Delaware Guard Pilot

Sept. 15, 2006

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

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.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

Trending Stories

Air Force Eyes New-Build F-16s to Boost Fighter Force

How the Air Force Rigged F-15s in the Middle East with Drone-Busting Rockets in a Week

Space Force Accepting Applications for Interservice Transfers Until Oct. 2

USSF Leaders Lay Out the Path to More Than Double the Force

Related

Pentagon Picks 2 Companies for Reconnaissance Satellite Demo

Sept. 18, 2026
The Space Force and the Defense Innovation Unit have chosen two firms to demonstrate the ability of small satellites built with low-cost, commercial technology to track both friendly and adversary satellites in geosynchronous orbit. 

USSF Leaders Lay Out the Path to More Than Double the Force

Sept. 17, 2026
When Space Force leaders started talking about expanding the service early this year, the idea was simple: double the size of the force in the next five years. At AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber conference this week, officials detailed just how they’re planning to grow so much so quickly.