Pilot Safety Award

Although this happened in May, I just got a copy of the article in Air Combat Command's magazine:

You probably can't read it, it says:
"Pilot Safety Award of Distinction, Maj Scott M. Seigfried, 55EFS, 332 AEW, Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Near dusk on 30 May 10, Maj Scott "Kelso" Seigfried was operating his F-16 over Baghdad, Iraq in support of OIF. While performing armed over watch, the aircraft suffered an unusual emergency situation. As Maj Seigfried pushed up the throttle, the PTO shaft which transfers power from the engine to the accessory drive gearbox failed. This uncommon occurrence resulted in the loss of normal electrical and hydraulics systems. Reacting quickly and relying solely on the EPU to power the flight controls, Maj Seigfried immediately pointed the aircraft towards Joint Base Balad, almost 50 miles away. He noted the loss of the HUD, MFDs, and radar. The HUD serves as the primary flight instrument while the MFDs show the aircraft's position. Referencing his checklist and using his Wingman to replace vital situational awareness displays, Maj Seigfried expertly analyzed the problem. He tested and used backup systems, worked with the SOF to create a recovery plan, and used his Wingman as a chase aircraft for mutual support. Due to loss of hydraulic power, Maj Seigfried performed an alternate landing gear extension. He set up for and executed a flawless ILS approach and landed on secondary instruments. With only limited backup braking, Maj Seigfried stopped the aircraft on the runway and coordinated the shutdown with rescue crews. The operation of the EPU can be toxic and required careful consideration by the pilot to prevent harmful exposure to him and ground crews. Superb airmanship is required to simply keep the aircraft safely flying, at night, on essentially all backup systems. Maj Seigfried's actions preserved the combat capability of a $30 million US asset and should be recognized."

So proud of him and so glad he didn't tell me about this until he got home!!