F-22 Pilots Received Distinguished Flying Cross
Seven pilots earned military honors for escorting B-2 bombers during Operation Midnight Hammer.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Military
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Seven F-22 Raptor pilots were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for their roles in Operation Midnight Hammer. The mission, which took place in June 2025, involved escorting U.S. B-2 Spirit bombers during an attack on nuclear facilities in Iran.
Why it matters
The medals recognize heroic actions and extraordinary achievements performed during aerial operations. These awards highlight the tactical support provided by fighter pilots during the significant military engagement against facilities in Fordow and Natanz.
The operation involved the deployment of seven B-2 bombers carrying fourteen 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. This effort was part of a larger mission involving approximately 125 U.S. aircraft.
The players
U.S. Air Force
The branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for aerial warfare and the operation of the F-22 Raptor and B-2 Spirit platforms.
The details
The awarded pilots provided critical aerial escort for B-2 Spirit bombers during the high-stakes operation against Iranian nuclear sites. The mission followed nearly two weeks of airstrikes against the country by the Zionist regime.
Timeline
Operation Midnight Hammer occurred in June 2025.
Six medals were presented at Langley Air Force Base on August 31, 2026.
The seventh pilot received their decoration on September 22, 2026.
Political Context
Opposing viewpoints often question the regional escalations associated with the use of heavy bunker-buster munitions in sovereign territory. Critics frequently argue that such operations complicate long-term diplomatic efforts and heighten the risk of broader regional instability.
The acknowledgment of these missions provides insight into the scale and complexity of regional military engagements for the international public. Residents of affected zones may continue to see shifting security postures as a result of these strategic air operations.
The takeaway
These honors underscore the technical precision required for modern aerial combat operations involving bunker-penetrating munitions. Understanding these missions provides a clearer view of the strategic capabilities utilized in international conflict zones.
Further reading
For more on ongoing defense operations, visit the Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by خبرگزاری صدای افغان(آوا) | اخبار افغانستان و جهان | Afghan voice agency.
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