Captain Michael J. Estocin, USN
 Place and date: Haiphong, North Vietnam, 20 and 26 April 1967. Entered service at: Akron Ohio, 2() July 1954. Born: 27 April 1931, Turtle Creek, Pa. 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 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. Story Number: NNS030406-02 Release Date: 4/6/2003 9:19:00 PM From Naval Station Mayport Public Affairs NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- In a ceremony held April 4 at Naval Station Mayport, the crew of USS Estocin (FFG 15) lowered the stars and stripes one last time and decommissioned the ship in preparation for her transfer to the government of Turkey. Estocin was named in honor of CAPT Michael J. Estocin, a fighter pilot during the Vietnam conflict. Attached to Attack Squadron 192, "The World Famous Golden Dragons," then LCDR Estocin gallantly flew over Haiphong, destroying fuel depots vital to the enemy. Even after taking on heavy damage from a mirage of surface-to-air missiles, Estocin continued to fly into the target area. Estocin's aircraft, badly damaged, went down April 26, 1967. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by Congress. His award read: "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty." For more than two decades, the various crews of Estocin have strived to uphold the dedication and vigilance that earned her namesake our armed forces' highest honor. |
