Michael J. Estocin’s Distinguished Flying Cross citation
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AUTHORIZED BY ACT OF CONGRESS JULY 2, 1926 HAS
AWARDED
THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
TO
CAPTAIN MICHAEL JOHN ESTOCIN,
UNITED STATES NAVY
CITATION:
for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 19 January 1967, while serving as a Pilot with Attack Squadron One Hundred Ninety-two, embarked in U.S.S. Ticonderoga (CVA-14), during aerial combat operations in Southeast Asia. As the leader of three Shrike-configured aircraft, Captain Estocin was responsible for providing warning, detection, and suppression of hostile surface-to-air missile activity directed at elements of the main strike group conducting a coordinated attack against the Dong Phong Thuong Railroad Bridge north of Thanh Hoa, North Vietnam. He lured the opposing missile sites to direct their fire toward his widely dispersed position by deploying the Shrike aircraft well ahead of the main strike group. During the course of the mission, Captain Estocin broadcast timely and accurate warning of enemy missile firings and personally took under fire two enemy missile site, destroying one and causing significant damage to the radar facilities of the other. He was subjected to heavy and accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire throughout the execution of these attacks. After exhausting his ordnance and at great personal peril, Captain Estocin remained on station to act as a lure in drawing any missile fire away from the remaining strike group. Only when assured that the main strike group was clear of the missile threat did Captain Estocin leave the hostile area. His skill, aggressiveness, and courage in the face of intense enemy opposition were instrumental in the successful completion of this strike against the enemy without aircraft loss or damage. Captain Estocin’s actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Born: April 27, 1931 in Turtle Creek, Pa…. Listed as missing until declared dead in 1977… Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in April 1967… Memorialized at Fort Rosencrans National Cemetery in San Diego