The Story:
Warrant Officer Hill was piloting her Kiowa Warrior helicopter in Iraq in March 2006 when insurgents began firing at her and the other helicopter, targeting the other aircraft, which was in the lead. Hill quickly maneuvered her helicopter to draw fire away while providing suppressive fire for the troops fighting on the ground. Enemy fire hit and damaged her helicopter, yet Hill continued to provide aerial cover and communications for the ground forces attempting to reach safety. Hill described the experience as “kind of like driving without your power steering.”
The enemies kept firing at Hill’s aircraft, and a machine-gun round hit Hill in the ankle. She maintained her aerial position as long as her damaged Kiowa would allow. Despite flying a damaged aircraft and suffering injuries, Hill landed her helicopter safely, saving both her crew and the helicopter.
For her actions, Hill received the Distinguished Flying Cross on Oct. 16, 2006.