Two special operations airmen, Maj. Randell Voas and Senior Master Sgt. James Lackey, who heroically maneuvered their crippled CV-22 Osprey to save lives during a 2010 mission in Afghanistan, were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in a solemn ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

In the face of imminent disaster following a mechanical failure near Qalat, Afghanistan, on April 9, 2010, both airmen demonstrated extraordinary bravery and skill.

Despite their efforts, the crash claimed the lives of Voas, Lackey, an Army Ranger, and a civilian interpreter.

Fourteen years later, Air Force special operations boss Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind recognized their sacrifice by presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to the airmen’s widows, Cassie Lackey and Jill Voas, in a May 16 ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

“Major Voas and Senior Master Sergeant Lackey showcased the mastery, the grit, and the no-fail warfighting mentality we expect of all air commandos,” Bauernfeind said.

“In their last fateful seconds, they swiftly acted to prevent a catastrophic loss of life.”

The Distinguished Flying Cross celebrates an extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, only 110 air commandos have been awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for their heroism, according to Bauernfeind. Lackey also received a DFC in 2002.

During the ceremony, Bauernfeind sang the praises of what he described as “two giants” of the Air Force’s past who provided “selfless service to their nation.”

He spoke of their professionalism, bravery, and gallantry as Voas and Lackey made the ultimate sacrifice.

“They are loved, greatly missed, and will never be forgotten,” Bauernfeind said.

Senior Master Sgt. James Lackey, whose quick thinking led him to dump fuel to lighten the Osprey, ensured the landing gear was deployed before the crash.

Maj. Randell Voas, the pilot, was able to slow the descent and execute a rolling landing to minimize the impact. The efforts of both airmen were critical in avoiding a catastrophic loss of life.

An Air Force investigation concluded that several equipment and personnel problems had coalesced to cause the aircraft’s fatal descent.

Their “superior airmanship … undoubtedly saved the lives of the remaining two crew members and 14 Army Rangers,” the Air Force said.

Relevant articles:
– Airmen killed in 2010 Osprey crash receive Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Times
– Air Force to Posthumously Award Distinguished Flying Cross to Crew in Mysterious 2010 Osprey Crash, Military.com
– Air Force presents posthumous Distinguished Flying Cross medals to 2 air commandos killed in crash in 2010, Stars and Stripes