Hunter pilot awarded Mackay Trophy

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Kevin Milgram
  • 432nd Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  A member of the 42d Attack Squadron will join the likes of famed military flyers Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold, Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, Gen. Jimmy Doolittle and Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager Nov. 2 at a National Aeronautic Association banquet in Arlington, Va., where he will be awarded the Clarence Mackay Trophy for the most meritorious flight of the year.

Capt. Boyd Smith is one of four B-1B Lancer crew members who will be recognized with this notable award.
Captain Smith, a first lieutenant at the time, was assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Bomb Wing in Southwest Asia. Captain Smith was the co-pilot of "BONE 23," a B-1 bomber tasked with supporting ground forces in Afghanistan July 13, 2008. He is currently assigned here as an MQ-9 Reaper pilot.

On that July mission last year, the U.S. ground forces confronted a two-hundred person enemy force that was attempting to overrun their base. BONE 23 was in communication with the ground force's joint terminal attack controller who requested the placement of a 2,000-pound, GPS-guided weapon to neutralize the attack and allow U.S. forces to regroup. When the BONE 23 crew realized that friendly forces were in close proximity to the desired target, they suggested 500-pound, GPS-guided munitions instead.

"We knew we were facing a critical fuel situation as we headed toward the fight," said Captain Smith. "We coordinated to have the tanker just a few miles away so we could remain on station as long as we were needed."

Within 30 minutes, BONE 23 effectively and decisively slowed the enemy's attack with three consecutive bomb runs.

Captain Smith said this award is especially significant for him because it is based on the expertise of his fellow BONE 23 crew members and their ability to operate as a team.

"Being selected for this historic award is an incredible honor," said Captain Smith. "It was an honor to fly with such a professional, well-trained crew."

Captain Smith went on to say that he is passionate about being an Air Force pilot, not because of the aircraft or equipment, but because of the mission itself.

"My favorite part about my B-1 assignment was that I got to fly close air support missions protecting the guys on the ground," said Captain Smith. "The main reason I volunteered to fly the Reaper is because of the rewarding feeling I get supporting the ground forces. In the MQ-9, I can provide the joint ground commanders with a full-picture of the battlefield, along with vital intelligence and strike capability when necessary."

Lt. Col. Chris Gough, 42d Attack Squadron commander, said he is proud to have Captain Smith as a member of his Squadron.

"Boyd's actions, as co-pilot of BONE 23, demonstrate outstanding airmanship, situational awareness and mission focus," said Colonel Gough. "These are the same vital qualities that make him extremely effective as a Reaper pilot."

Col. Pete Gersten, 432d Wing and 432d Air Expeditionary Wing commander, said Captain Smith's accomplishment is a true testament to the to the high caliber of Airmen within the 432d.

"We are very proud to have such an accomplished and talented Airman here at the 432d," said Colonel Gersten. "This is documented proof of what we, the Hunters, already fully recognize. We have the best pilots in the Air Force flying combat missions in support of the joint ground forces from right here at Creech Air Force Base. Captain Smith is among the Air Force's best and right at home as a Hunter."

Captain Smith's name will be engraved on the Mackay Trophy, which is on permanent display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington.