F15C Eagle "Eagle's Prey" Art by Willie Jones. This image is copyrighted and is the property of Willie Jones Jr. and is available only to members of the Armed Forces and Military organizations. Eagle's Prey depicts Capt Craig W. Underhill shooting down a MiG-29 with an AIM-7 on 19 January 1991. United States Air Force made a tremendous statement during the Persian Gulf War. It showcased USAF superior training and tactics and technically advanced equipment. Air Force's F-15 Eagle fighter pilots won air superiority in a matter of days and enjoyed a kill ratio of 36 to 0. Capt. Steve Tate gained notoriety for getting the first enemy air-to-air kill. But did he get the first kill? Capt. Tate was the first fighter pilot to announce his confirmed air kill but he did not score the first kill of the war. Capt. Jon K. Kelk of the 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, scored the first air kill an hour earlier. He shot down a MiG-29 with an AIM-7 Sparrow missile. AWACS controllers monitored all Coalition aircraft and were able to account for their movement. After examining Gulf War documents, AWACS recordings revealed a different finding than first reported. This was an important fact that reflects historically correct information. It can also affect possible promotion opportunities. The first kill garnered the Silver Star whereas subsequent kills received a lesser medal, Distinguished Flying Cross.
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