For my husband who I love with all my heart! -- First Lieutenant Thomas J. Cahill, Jr., distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Paktia Province, Afghanistan, on 3 March 2002. Once airborne, Lieutenant Cahill expertly navigated his flight through enemy-controlled mountainous terrain at 50’ above ground level in < 5% moon illumination. En route, he took heavy AAA/Mortar fire. Upon arrival at the initial point, he held his flight in an orbit less than half a mile from the landing zone coordinates be was given while he directed an AC.130 to fire on enemy mortar positions. He executed an approach to a landing zone that was incorrectly marked by the overhead AC-130. While in the zone, he was again targeted by mortar fire from aI-Qeada and Taliban forces. On the egress from this zone, his aircraft's rotor speed began to decay due to the high gross weight and density altitude. Lieutenant Cahill flew his aircraft at 94% rotor speed for almost two minutes before he could weave his way out of the terrain. Until his aircraft gained flying speed, he continued to be under lire. If not for his uncanny skills, the aircraft's rotor would have decayed, resulting in a crash sequence. His Gallantry in action resulted in 3 lives saved—Three mothers who did not have to receive letters informing them of their son’s death!
A True American Hero Roxane Cahill