Born: April 27, 1931
War: Vietnam
Rank: Captain (then Lt. Cmdr.), U.S. Navy
Location of Action: Haiphong, North Vietnam
Date of Action: April 20 and 26, 1967
Official 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 USS Ticonderoga.
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 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.
MICHAEL JOHN ESTOCIN
