Navy Federal Credit Union

Michael O’Connor graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1962. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3

    Action Date:

    January 19, 1971

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Michael Bernard O’Connor, Jr. (NSN: 0-659348/1310), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 19 January as Attack Helicopter Aircraft Commander of a gunship with Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron THREE in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Commander O’Connor was scrambled from Advanced Tactical Support Base SOLID ANCHOR to serve as a troop transport to insert a relief force of United States Navy SEAL’s who were to act as reinforcements for a team of Vietnamese and United States Navy SEAL’s ambushed by a numerically superior enemy force and in danger of being annihilated. At the insertion point, the leader of the gunship fire team directed that the insertion should be made in shallow water near the eastern bank of a canal as a safety precaution. Lieutenant Commander O’Connor made an approach and came under heavy enemy fire from both banks of the canal. Deep water forced him to hug the eastern bank to disembark his troops and to maneuver so close to the canal bank that his main rotor blades struck encroaching trees, making aircraft control extremely difficult and hazardous. During the entire operation, Lieutenant Commander O’Connor’s aircraft was engaged in an intense fire fight with many enemy small arms and automatic weapons emplacements on both banks. He successfully disembarked the SEAL’s, departed the area and returned to Nam Cau safely despite severe vibrations caused by damage to the rotor blades. His skill and aggressiveness under hazardous conditions undoubtedly saved the lives of many men of the friendly forces trapped by the ambush. Lieutenant Commander O’Connor’s devotion to duty, courage under fire and exemplary professionalism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3

    Action Date:

    April 29, 1971

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Michael Bernard O’Connor, Jr. (NSN: 0-659348/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron THREE in the Republic of Vietnam on 29 April 1971. Lieutenant Commander O’Connor was serving as Aircraft Commander of a modified gunship used to insert United States Navy SEAL’s and Vietnamese LDNN on a vital intelligence mission. During the extraction attempt, the helicopters came under heavy enemy fire with two aircrew members critically wounded. To enable the other aircraft to escape, Lieutenant Commander O’Connor, with complete disregard for his safety, courageously maneuvered his aircraft through an intense anti-aircraft barrage, pinpointing enemy positions while returning devastating fire. After assuming tactical command of the other units, he orbited overhead the trapped SEAL’s despite intense machine gun fire and placed machine gun fire on the enemy, directing highly accurate strikes on enemy positions. With darkness compounding the hazards of the tiny landing zone and critically low on fuel and ammunition, he rapidly and professionally organized another attempt to rescue the besieged SEAL’s. Undaunted by intense enemy fire, he led the approach, placing fire on enemy gun emplacements at point-blank range. Despite the danger involved, he flashed his aircraft lights to keep the flight together. In the landing zone, he placed his ship in a position to shield the SEAL’s and other aircraft while his gunners returned the enemy fire. Lieutenant Commander O’Connor then led the aircraft out and in a daring charge, directed mini-gun and door gun fire on the enemy positions. His courageous leadership resulted in the saving of many lives. Lieutenant Commander O’Connor’s devotion to duty, courage under fire and outstanding leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.