Two airmen will posthumously receive the Distinguished Flying Cross nearly 14 years after the CV-22 Osprey they were flying crashed in Afghanistan. All were members of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, nicknamed the Flying Tigers. "I found a spot in the clouds [where] I could see the ground, and then we basically dove," Maj. Mark Ross said of the evacuation. The announcement marks the largest batch of awards to date for the airmen who participated in Operation Allies Refuge. The visit is the latest in a small but expanding series of exchanges ahead of a possible meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping next month. Aviation Radioman 3rd Class Peter L. Smith carried out more than 150 combat/support missions in the Pacific with Torpedo Squadron 28 during World War II. At least 12 T-6s require intensive repairs before they can return to flight, base spokesperson Terri Schaefer said. The pilot, an instructor with the 49th Fighter Training Squadron, sustained minor injuries but safely ejected. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a directive to ground all airworthy Boeing B-17E, F and G models of the Flying Fortress aircraft. Master Sgt. Zachary Cooper saved the lives of 184 U.S. and partner troops who faced “intense and effective enemy fire” from insurgents in Afghanistan. Load More