Kevin Miller - Raven One

“Jim also planned and led a key strike on a vital facility that we needed to neutralize. With minimum time to plan and a small number of aircraft to accomplish the mission, this was an awe-inspiring performance. Jim Wilson’s feats are already legend throughout the aviation community.

“Jim, I think you will agree that, to a great extent, the awards we receive are a reflection of the outstanding job done by our subordinates. This award, however, is truly a reflection of your superb flying ability and preflight preparation. You took the aircraft and training our country provided you, and with your own aggressive spirit and a resolute commitment to excellence, you contributed to a big win for our nation. This award Jim, is yours , and your Navy and your country thank you.”

The CNO picked up the Navy Cross and motioned to his flag writer. “Linda, go ahead…”

As the military members in the room came to attention and the award citation was read, the CNO placed the Navy Cross, second to the Medal of Honor in precedence, on Wilson’s chest, speaking in a low tone only Wilson could hear.

“Jim, I can’t tell you how honored I am to present this distinguished award to you and to have you on my staff. Well done, sailor. My very best wishes to you and your family.” With a smile, the admiral then added, “We’ll go downtown to celebrate a bit. After that, take the rest of the night off, and I’ll see you tomorrow at zero-six-hundred!”

Remaining at attention, Wilson smiled slightly and said, “Thanks, sir.”

The ceremony concluded, and Weed walked Wilson’s family back to their cars in south parking. The CNO offered Wilson and Mary a ride in his staff car to the reception, and they walked down to the River Entrance to wait for it. While standing next to the heavy columns, they looked north toward Rosslyn, and watched as a 757 airliner weaved along the river on final approach to Reagan National Airport.

“You wish I was flying that?” Wilson asked Mary.

“You want to?”

“Well, I’m flying a desk here. That looks kind’a fun right now.”

Mary studied the airliner. “No.”

“No?”

“No, that kind of life isn’t for people like us. Gone half the time. Chaotic schedule. Low pay. Inexperienced pilots who barely shave. No, not for us. Who needs that kind of stress?”

Wilson smiled, put his arm around her, and looked at the next jet in line.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander James Daniel Wilson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 17 February 2008 and 20 March 2008 as a Pilot in Strike Fighter Squadron SIXTY-FOUR (VFA-64) embarked in U.S.S. VALLEY FORGE. During a routine training mission over the Northern Arabian Gulf, his incapacitated wingman drifted into Iranian territory. Demonstrating exceptional aeronautical skill, Lieutenant Commander Wilson used his own aircraft in an attempt to return his wingman to international airspace. After Iranian alert fighters destroyed his wingman without warning, he engaged, completely unarmed, a heretofore unknown fifth-generation fighter, successfully evading fire and safely returning to force. On 20 March Lieutenant Commander Wilson displayed exceptional professional skill and sound judgment in planning and leading an extremely dangerous, low-level night, power projection strike on the strategic and heavily defended Yaz Kernoum missile assembly facility in Iran. Seconds before bomb release, an enemy surface-to-air missile was observed to be tracking his plane. Undaunted by this threat to his personal safety, Lieutenant Commander Wilson avoided the missile and then proceeded to complete his attack, releasing all weapons with extreme accuracy and dealing a significant blow to Iranian ballistic missile delivery capability. After release, he guided his plane through intense antiaircraft artillery fire and on the egress defended a valuable strike asset by turning back to the threat and pressing his attack, engaging and downing two enemy interceptors including one confirmed fifth-generation aircraft. His superb airmanship and courage reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Captain Kevin Miller, a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, is a former tactical naval aviator and has flown the A-7E Corsair II and FA-18C Hornet operationally. He commanded a carrier-based strike-fighter squadron, and, during his career, logged over 1,000 carrier-arrested landings, made possible as he served alongside outstanding men and women as part of a winning team. Captain Miller lives and writes in Pensacola, Florida.

RAVEN ONE is his first novel.