The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Michael Scott Speicher, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of an F/A-18 aircraft while serving with Strike Fighter Squadron 81 embarked aboard the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-60) on 17 January 1991. Tasked to provide suppression of enemy air defenses during the initial strike of Operation DESERT STORM, Lieutenant Commander Speicher delivered his AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missiles against three separate, active enemy threat systems. In the face of withering enemy air to air and surface-to-air defenses, he courageously positioned his aircraft in the optimum firing envelope, maximizing delivery parameters in order to silence critical ground defenses. Following delivery of his weapons, Lieutenant Commander Speicher’s aircraft was shot down and his personal status remains “missing in action.” His total commitment to this critical support mission dramatically enhanced the survivability of dedicated attack assets, contributing immeasurably to the resounding success of the strike. Lieutenant Commander Speicher’s outstanding leadership, tactical expertise, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.)