2009 Superior Achievement Award

Presented to: Capt. James R. Pancoe

Citation: For valor, courage and excellence. For perfect execution of CAS supporting 43 embattled SOF operators, and furthering the art of navigation while destroying terrorist organizations.

During a routine mission, Capt. James R. Pancoe and his crew were redirected to a group of 43 Special Operations Forces (SOF) who had been ambushed while maneuvering into their target area. Prior to the AC-130's arrival ten SOF were critically wounded and the entire force was pinned down by oppressive cross fire from two different enemy ambush sites.

During a routine mission, Capt. James R. Pancoe and his crew were redirected to a group of 43 Special Operations Forces (SOF) who had been ambushed while maneuvering into their target area. Prior to the AC-130's arrival ten SOF were critically wounded and the entire force was pinned down by oppressive cross fire from two different enemy ambush sites.

Capt. Pancoe expertly navigated the aircraft through Afghanistan's mountainous terrain, while simultaneously calculating the maximum amount of time they would be able to remain overhead in support of the mission. Capt. Pancoe quickly made radio contact with the joint terminal air controller to determine the location of not only friendly forces on the ground, but also air players in the stack, to ensure the safety of all involved aircraft. After locating the friendly troop positions, Capt. Pancoe coordinated emergency close air support clearance and began delivering precession fires on the enemy personnel. The crew simultaneously prosecuted both heavily dug in enemy positions using the AC-130U's dual target attack capability, killing 16 enemy fighters. While continuing the engagement, Capt. Pancoe located a suitable landing zone for the casualty evacuation helicopter to extract the ten critically wounded SOF. His decisive actions ensured all friendly personnel would be able to return. The combined joint special operations air detachment commander met with the crew and personally commended their heroic actions. Capt. Pancoe is the lead navigator for test flights of updated mission software critical to the continued longevity of gunships.

Capt. Pancoe is the recipient of the following awards: Air Medals with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Combat Action Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Capt. Pancoe expertly navigated the aircraft through Afghanistan's mountainous terrain, while simultaneously calculating the maximum amount of time they would be able to remain overhead in support of the mission. Capt. Pancoe quickly made radio contact with the joint terminal air controller to determine the location of not only friendly forces on the ground, but also air players in the stack, to ensure the safety of all involved aircraft. After locating the friendly troop positions, Capt. Pancoe coordinated emergency close air support clearance and began delivering precession fires on the enemy personnel. The crew simultaneously prosecuted both heavily dug in enemy positions using the AC-130U's dual target attack capability, killing 16 enemy fighters. While continuing the engagement, Capt. Pancoe located a suitable landing zone for the casualty evacuation helicopter to extract the ten critically wounded SOF. His decisive actions ensured all friendly personnel would be able to return. The combined joint special operations air detachment commander met with the crew and personally commended their heroic actions. Capt. Pancoe is the lead navigator for test flights of updated mission software critical to the continued longevity of gunships.

Capt. Pancoe is the recipient of the following awards: Air Medals with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Combat Action Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.