F-16 pilots awarded Distinguished Flying Cross for escorting B-2 bombers over Iran during Operation Midnight Hammer
By
Kelsey Baker
Crackling crust, pillowy middle. The kind of bagel that earns a second cup of coffee.
Summary
During Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025, US Air Force F-16 fighter jets from the 55th Fighter Squadron escorted B-2 bombers on a mission to strike Iran's nuclear facilities. The F-16 pilots flew hundreds of miles into Iranian territory, neutralized hostile air defenses, and returned with critically low fuel. Six pilots were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in the operation, as revealed by Air Force award citations.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledDuring Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025, US Air Force F-16 fighter jets cleared the way for the B-2 bombers that struck Iran's nuclear facilities.
The fighters flew hundreds of miles into Iranian territory, knocked out hostile air defenses, and flew out with very little fuel left in the tank, award citations reveal.
Earlier this month, the Air Force awarded six F-16 pilots from the 55th Fighter Squadron the Distinguished Flying Cross for their part in the operation.
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