For the first time since 2013, the Daedalians – a national military aviation organization – has awarded the Joe Foss Award for Excellence. The recipient is Maj. Brett DeVries, a A-10 pilot with the 107th Fighter Squadron.
Photo: DVIDS
During a strafing run in the A-10 while flying over the Grayling Air Gunnery Range in northern Michigan on Jul. 20, 2017, the cannon jammed which caused the canopy to jettison in mid-air. Compounding the issue, the attack jet’s landing gear was locked in the up position and most of the radio systems were knocked offline.
Despite the difficulties, DeVries was able to recover the aircraft to land at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center with minimal damage to the plane.
The Daedalians gave him the award for his excellence airmanship in recovering the stricken aircraft.