WTVB: Van Havel honored for heroic actions in skies of above Iraq

This week, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) hosted a ceremony to present Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Van Havel with the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor award from the U.S. Air Force.

Lt. Col. Van Havel, from Hudson, was awarded this honor for his heroic actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Congressman Walberg also presented Lt. Col. Van Havel with a congressional proclamation, thanking him for his courageous service.

Van Havel flew as a wingman in a two-ship formation on a Close Air Support (CAS) mission, supporting the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division’s march toward Karbala during the invasion of Iraq.

Lt. Col. Van Havel and his flight lead received orders to provide overwatch for the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) when they came under fire with radar-guided missiles. Lt. Col. Van Havel acquired the launches visually and provided radio callouts and maneuvers to his flight lead to defeat the missiles with countermeasures.

After defeating the missiles, Lt. Col. Van Havel selflessly volunteered to enter the enemy range again and destroy the SA-2 missile site without Suppression of Enemy Air Defense assets or artillery. Lt. Col. Van Havel’s actions directly led to the QRF Team completing their mission without harm.