AIR FORCE ACADEMY — A pilot who graduated from the Air Force Academy and a weapons officer aboard his F-15 have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions over Afghanistan last fall.
Capt. Mike Polidor, the pilot, and Capt. Aaron Dove were honored for coordinating strikes by 19 aircraft in October against insurgents attacking a U.S. outpost.
Eight soldiers from Fort Carson’s 4th Brigade Combat Team were killed in the battle. The Air Force credits Polidor and Dove with helping save the lives of 72 coalition soldiers.
Polidor graduated from the academy in 2004 and played goaltender for the hockey team.
The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievements during flying operations. From Post and wire reports
