MacDill crew members take top prize for professionalism, courage, leadership Published May 3, 2012 By Terry Montrose 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Three crew members from MacDill's 91st Air Refueling Squadron were awarded the prestigious "General James H. Doolittle" trophy for their efforts above the Libyan skies during Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector. Named after aviation pioneer James H. Doolittle, the Air Force Historical Foundation's Doolittle award was established to recognize a unit that has displayed bravery, determination, discipline, esprit de corps and superior management of joint operations in multiple conflicts. The crew, with call sign Bora 93, deployed to Western Europe during 2011 to provide critical aerial refueling support to Coalition and NATO forces. Maj. Marcas Maltby, Capt. Matthew Hedlund and Senior Airman Christopher Cannon were singled out for their exceptional bravery and aviation skill. The crew expertly negotiated an engine malfunction and maintained mission timing while enroute to refuel three receiver aircraft. Because of their actions, the three aircraft went on to destroy numerous targets, assisting NATO forces in the defense of the innocent Libyan citizens. Col. Lenny Richoux, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander said, "I am extremely proud of Maltby, Hedlund and Cannon, who were awarded this prestigious trophy for their professionalism, courage and leadership. Bora 93 represents all of America's Airmen who answer our nation's call by defending freedom from the sky." The crew members were also recognized for their crucial part in the recovery of a fighter pilot. The crew from MacDill seized the initiative to assist, refueling an F-16 fighter which had arrived to provide cover for the fighter pilot. Maltby said, "We could have kept that F-16 out there all day if we had to; we were ready to do what it took to bring that Airman home." The pilot was recovered without incident. The Doolittle trophy was awarded at a ceremony at MacDill AFB last month.