Amerikansk anerkendelse af dansk indsats

Med henholdsvis Air Force Achievement Medal og Air Force Accomendation Medal. Medaljerne blev overrakt af den amerikanske ambassadør James P. Cain, og som begrundelse for tildelingen blev givet den fleksible tilgangsvinkel til løsning af de pålagte opgaver og herunder initiativet og evnen til at oprette og indgå i joint operationer med de amerikanske styrker under Operation Enduring Freedom på Manas Air Base i Kirgisistan i perioden 2002-2003.

Yderligere 52 soldater fra Flyvevåbnet vil ved en parade ved Combat Support Wing 16. marts også modtage Air Force Achievement Medal.

Nærmere information herom kan fås ved henvendelse CSW-Presseofficer på tlf. 97101550 lok.5229  

Uddrag af talen ved medaljeoverrækkelsen
Denmark has been a historical friend and ally of the United States and has fought alongside our military forces in many conflicts going back to the American Revolution.  In fact, at this time of the year 170 years ago--back in 1836, Lieutenant Charles ZANCO of the Texas Volunteers, born in Randers, Denmark, entered the Alamo mission at San Antonio, Texas, with 188 other defenders to face a Mexican Army of thousands in the 2-week siege.  Due to Lt Zanco's selfless sacrifice in this early American cause, to this day the flag of Denmark still flies over the Alamo alongside the American and Texas flags.  Of additional interest, Lt ZANCO is also believed to be the person responsible for designing the Lone Star flag of the state of Texas.

And today, Denmark continues to support justified American causes, and stand alongside the U.S. military, in conflict areas across the globe.

During the 12-month Danish deployment, these personnel supported Royal Danish Air Force F-16 operations flying combat missions into Afghanistan from Manas Air Base.  During this period, the Danish F-16s flew nearly 900 hours of missions in support of coalition operations.

These personnel distinguished themselves by outstanding service as Security Forces, Royal Danish Air Force detachment, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing, Manas Air Base, Kyrgyz Republic.  During this deployment, they contributed significantly to the effectiveness of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, ensuring the success of combat operations against Al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorist networks in Afghanistan.  Their steadfast devotion to duty and professionalism were key contributors to the security and readiness of the seven-nation coalition's ability to prepare and launch combat aircraft sorties.  Their keen sense of mission and ability to work side by side with security forces from the United States was instrumental to maintaining a cohesive force able to project a much stronger deterrence against any threat to coalition aircraft or personnel.  Their professional ability and outstanding accomplishments reflect great credit upon themselves and the Royal Danish Air Force.