ESTOCIN, MICHAEL J.

Rank and organization: Captain (then Lt. Cmdr.), U.S. Navy, Attack Squadron 192, USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14)

Place: Haiphong, North Vietnam

Date: 20 and 26 April 1967

Entered service at: Akron, Ohio, 20 July 1954

Born: 27 April 1931, Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania

Citation:

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 2 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 re-entered 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 inflight refueling which continued for over 100 miles. 3 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.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: ESTOCIN

First name: MICHAEL JOHN

Home of Record (official): TURTLE CREEK

State (official): PA

Date of Birth: Monday, April 27, 1931

Sex: Male

Race: Caucasian

Marital Status: Married

--- Military ---

Branch: Navy

Rank: CDR

Serial Number: 175245810

Component: Regular

Pay grade: O5

MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 1310

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Wednesday, April 26, 1967

Date of Casualty: Thursday, November 10, 1977

Age at time of loss: 46

Casualty type: (A4) Hostile, died while captured

Reason: Air loss - Crashed on land (Pilot - Fixed wing aircraft)

Country: North VietNam

Province: Unknown/Not Reported

The Wall: Panel 18E - Row 092

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