Butler Marine garners top aviation award
Butler native Maj. Zachary M. Sessa of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 was named the Marine Aviator of the Year by the Marine Corps Aviation Association, earning the prestigious Alfred A. Cunningham Award for his leadership during combat operations in 2024.
As part of the “Black Knights” squadron, Sessa, who graduated from Butler High School, played a critical role in a historic deployment that marked the first combat use of the F-35C Lightning II fighter jet.
While leading multiple strike missions in Yemen, he also served as the Marine Corps’ first F-35C Weapons and Tactics Instructor aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.
In addition to spearheading multiple combat sorties, Sessa helped expand the Corps’ future capabilities by mentoring and generating 18 new tactical leaders, including instructors and mission commanders within the fifth-generation fighter community.
“My recognition with the Alfred A. Cunningham Award is the result of the hard work and dedication of the team I’ve had the privilege to serve alongside,” Sessa said in a news release in April.
The award honors Alfred A. Cunningham, the first Marine aviator, and highlights excellence in aviation leadership and innovation.
Sessa’s squadron was also recognized as the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year, receiving the Robert M. Hanson Award, which was named in honor of the World War II ace who shot down 20 enemy planes during six consecutive flying days.
Sessa’s achievement was one of 12 awards earned by 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing units and individuals this year.
Winners will be formally recognized at the 53rd Annual Marine Corps Aviation Association Symposium on May 13-15 in Dallas, Texas.
