Aircrews receive Distinguished Flying Cross

Staff Reports
California National Guard Public Affairs

Sept. 14, 2020

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Excerpt of remarks by President Donald J. Trump, during a Distinguished Flying Cross medal presentation ceremony held Sept. 14 to recognize aviators from the California Army National Guard's 40th Combat Aviation Brigade for their efforts to rescue civilians during the Creek Fire in Fresno County, California, Sept. 5.

Just over one week ago, these brave pilots and crew members of the California Army National Guard embarked on a harrowing mission.  As the sun set on September 5th, they boarded two helicopters that are behind me. Then, they flew into blazing flames, raging wind — and it was raging — and blinding smoke to rescue families who were trapped by the massive Creek Fire at the Mammoth Pool Campground...

As night set in, they could see almost nothing through the miles of dense smoke. Using their night goggles and their expert navigation skill, they reached the camp. They found the stranded families — many of whom were badly burned and injured — and they loaded them, as many as they could, onto the two helicopters.  Then they made the perilous flight back to the base...

The smoke had become even more overpowering, yet they returned a third time. After 10 grueling hours, they completed their mission, having saved the lives of an astounding 242 people...

To each of you: Your unyielding determination lifts our nation.  You’re what makes our nation great. And we thank you very much.  Thank you very much. Incredible job.

TEXT OF MEDAL CITATIONS

The President of the United States hereby awards the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Joseph Rosamond, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kipp Goding, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brady Hlebain, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Irvin Hernandez, Warrant Officer 1 Ge Xiong, Sgt. George Esquivel Jr., and Sgt. Cameron Powell of the California Army National Guard for distinguished acts of heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight on September 5th, 2020.

The brave actions and superior airmanship of these soldiers resulted in the successful rescue of 242 adults and children from the rapidly developing Creek Fire in Central California. Their actions are in keeping with the highest military traditions of selfless service, honor, and personal courage, and reflects a great credit upon themselves, the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade, the California Army National Guard, and the United States Army.