[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 175 (Wednesday, November 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2066]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING MAJOR THOMAS W. KEEGAN UPON RECEIPT OF THE DISTINGUISHED 
                        FLYING CROSS WITH VALOR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ZOE LOFGREN-

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2011

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge and 
honor Major Thomas W. Keegan upon his award of the Distinguished Flying 
Cross with Valor.
  The Distinguished Flying Cross is America's oldest military aviation 
award. In 1926, the 69th Congress established the Distinguished Flying 
Cross to honor any person serving in the Armed Forces who distinguishes 
him or herself ``by heroism or extraordinary achievement while 
participating in an aerial flight.''
  On June 29, 2009, Major Keegan led a two-ship formation near Bastion 
Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan on an urgent medical evacuation 
into the hostile Helmand Province. The ship formation, call sign 
Pedro35 flight, had four missions that day, the first and second of 
which were to a point of injury where a British vehicle had overturned 
into a canal. While on approach to the site, Major Keegan noted 
friendly armored personnel carriers firing outbound from his three 
o'clock position. In response, Major Keegan broke his aircraft through 
multiple gun patterns directly between the enemy compound and origin of 
fire and the defenseless aircraft on the ground conducting evacuation 
operations.
  Major Keegan's heroism and willingness to highlight himself, 
aircraft, and crew to draw enemy fire away from the patients and 
vulnerable aircraft allowed the flight to successful extract a wounded 
British soldier. Major Keegan's actions directly contributed to the 
widespread acclaim of the Pedro operation, giving much needed peace of 
mind to troops conducting ground combat operations.
  It was my honor and privilege to recognize Major Keegan at a ceremony 
while I was home in my district. The outstanding heroism displayed 
deserves great recognition by the entire United States, the nation he 
has so selflessly served. Major Keegan has the respect and gratitude of 
all Americans.

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