Thomas J. Cahill, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Thomas J. Cahill, Jr., First Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Helicopter Rescue Pilot of the 66th Rescue Squadron, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM during Operation ANACONDA in Afghanistan on 3 March 2002. On that date First Lieutenant Cahill piloted his HH-60G helicopter in darkness and saved three lives, including that of a critically wounded man a few miles from the Roberts Ridge battle site. While he expertly navigated the flight through enemy-controlled mountainous terrain he was targeted by mortar fire and his aircraft’s motor speed began to decay due to the high gross weight and density altitude. If not for Lieutenant Cahill’s uncanny skills, it would have continued to decay, resulting in a crash.

Special Order No. 0063