Michael John Estocin

Attacking missile sites despite burning and damaged aircraft

Michael John Estocin earned the Medal of Honor for missions over Haiphong, North Vietnam, on 20 and 26 April 1967. Flying with Attack Squadron 192 from USS Ticonderoga, he warned strike aircraft of missile threats and attacked the launch sites. On the first mission, a missile damaged his aircraft, but he renewed his attack before returning through extended aerial refueling to a hazardous carrier landing. On the second, another missile set his aircraft ablaze. Estocin regained control and launched his missiles despite the damage.

A lieutenant commander during these actions, Estocin was later promoted in absentia to Captain (O-6). He served with VA-192 on two Vietnam combat deployments, aboard USS Bon Homme Richard and USS Ticonderoga. On 19 January 1967 he led a three-aircraft Shrike flight protecting the Dong Phong Thuong Railroad Bridge strike, an action recognized by the Distinguished Flying Cross. His flight leadership did not constitute documented squadron command.

Estocin disappeared after the 26 April mission and remains unaccounted for. Capture has not been established. His attacks on SAM installations are not a verified count of personnel killed.

Medal of Honor 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 U.S.S. Ticonderoga (CVA-14). Leading a three-plane group of aircraft in support of a coordinated strike against two thermal powerplants 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 three 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 five minutes of fuel remaining he departed the target area and commenced in-flight refueling which continued for over 100 miles. Three miles aft of the 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, Capt. Estocin upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.