Month: August 2020

A Salute to South Carolina Medical Professionals

Ricky Mantei, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force, Ricky Mantei is a former member of the South Carolina Air National Guard (SCANG).On April 27, F-16 fighter jets belonging to the SCANG’s 169th Fighter Wing flew over more than 60 South Carolina hospitals to thank and pay tribute to medical professionals on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19. The state-wide flyover was in consonance with the US Air Force’s OPERATION: AMERICAN RESOLVE to show appreciation to those who are leading the COVID-19 response.In a statement, 169th Fighter Wing commander Col. Akshai Gandhi said that the unit’s participation in the OPERATION: AMERICAN RESOLVE was a way to thank the medical heroes who are working round-the-clock to serve the medical needs of South Carolina residents during the pandemic. The intention of the Swamp Fox F-16 flyover was to boost the morale in South Carolina.

About the Distinguished Flying Cross

Ricky Mantei served with the United States Air Force and flew both F-4 and F-16 jets. Ricky Mantei earned the Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of his work.

The Distinguished Flying Cross award was authorized by Congress in 1926 and was first given to Captain Charles A. Lindbergh in honor of his solo flight across the Atlantic the following year. It is the highest award for extraordinary aerial achievement that United States countrymen can receive, and is fourth in order of precedence.

Designed by Arthur E. DuBois and Elizabeth Will, features a bronze cross pattee fitted with a four-bladed propeller. Between each blade are rays that create a square. Meanwhile, the back of the medal is blank and the ribbon holding it has a center red stripe flanked by white and dark blue stripes.

Any enlisted person or officer of the armed forces of the United States can receive the Distinguished Flying Cross if they demonstrate extraordinary achievement or heroism during an aerial flight. Both these acts must be different from their routine operations, so the award is not given to recognizing sustained operational flights or activities.