Medal of Honor: Michael J. Estocin - Vietnam War - April 20 & 26, 1967

Name: Michael J. Estocin
Rank: Captain (then Lieutenant Commander)
Branch: U.S. Navy
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Attack Squadron 192, USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14)
Date of Action: April 20 and 26, 1967
Location: Haiphong, North Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 20 and 26 April 1967, Captain Michael J. Estocin distinguished himself during combat operations over Haiphong, North Vietnam.

Serving as a pilot with Attack Squadron 192 embarked aboard USS Ticonderoga, he flew suppression missions against some of the most heavily defended targets in North Vietnam.

On 20 April, Estocin led a three-plane group supporting a coordinated strike against two thermal power plants in Haiphong.

Throughout the mission, he continuously warned strike leaders of incoming surface-to-air missile threats.

He then personally attacked and neutralized three separate missile sites.

During the battle, his aircraft was severely damaged by an exploding missile.

Rather than withdraw, Estocin reentered the target area and relentlessly continued his SHRIKE missile attack despite intense anti-aircraft fire.

With less than five minutes of fuel remaining, he finally departed the area and began an in-flight refueling effort that continued for more than one hundred miles.

Reaching the carrier with virtually no margin for error, he disengaged from the tanker only three miles astern of Ticonderoga and made a precise arrested landing on the first attempt.

Six days later, on 26 April, Estocin again flew in support of a major strike against vital fuel facilities in Haiphong.

He led an attack on another threatening missile site when his aircraft was once more seriously damaged by an exploding SAM.

Despite the damage and flames, he regained control of the aircraft and courageously launched his SHRIKE missiles before departing the target area.

His fearless determination, exceptional flying skill, and devotion to mission reflected the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

ESTOCIN, MICHAEL J.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 20 and 26 April 1967 as a pilot in Attack Squadron 192, embarked in USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14). Leading a 3-plane group of aircraft in support of a coordinated strike against two thermal power plants in Haiphong, North Vietnam, on 20 April 1967, Capt. Estocin provided continuous warnings to the strike group leaders of the surface-to-air missile (SAM) threats, and personally neutralized 3 SAM sites. Although his aircraft was severely damaged by an exploding missile, he reentered the target area and relentlessly prosecuted a SHRIKE attack in the face of intense antiaircraft fire. With less than 5 minutes of fuel remaining he departed the target area and commenced in-flight refueling which continued for over 100 miles. Three miles aft of Ticonderoga, and without enough fuel for a second approach, he disengaged from the tanker and executed a precise approach to a fiery arrested landing. On 26 April 1967, in support of a coordinated strike against the vital fuel facilities in Haiphong, he led an attack on a threatening SAM site, during which his aircraft was seriously damaged by an exploding SAM; nevertheless, he regained control of his burning aircraft and courageously launched his SHRIKE missiles before departing the area. By his inspiring courage and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Captain Estocin upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.