Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Infantry) Michael Finlay Field (ASN: 0-90798), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Field distinguished himself by heroism in action on 18 February 1967, while serving as team leader of two UH-1B armed helicopters during a reconnaissance mission in the An Lao Valley, Republic of Vietnam. While at tree top level, Captain Field’s aircraft was taken under fire by a concealed enemy automatic weapon. He called for his chase aircraft to engage the position with rocket fire. As the pilot of the chase helicopter broke out of his rocket run he received several hits which ignited a serious fire and forced him to make an immediate landing. Although under constant enemy fire, Captain Field landed in order to evacuate the downed crew. As the area of the downed aircraft was still receiving intense automatic weapons fire, Captain Field placed his own aircraft between the enemy emplacements and the crew of the other helicopter so that he could provide suppressive fire. Then, fully aware that his own aircraft was dangerously overloaded, he extracted the entire crew. Captain Field’s extraordinary heroism under intense hostile fire is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    9th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

    Action Date:

    May 11, 1967

    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 3750 (July 7, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Infantry) Michael Finlay Field (ASN: 0-90798), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Field distinguished himself by heroism in action on 11 May 1967, while leading a team of two unarmed UH-1B helicopters on a combat support mission near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam. Captain Field repeatedly placed himself in positions of grave danger as he delivered aerial rocket fire on fortified enemy entrenchments. The suppressive fires delivered by Captain Field enabled the ground elements to maneuver, locate and destroy the enemy force. At one point, when he was unable to make radio contact with the ground element, Captain Field landed his aircraft and personally destroyed an enemy soldier concealed in a bunker undetected by friendly troops. Several casualties sustained by the friendly units were evacuated by Captain Field under intense hostile fire. His unrelenting determination and personal bravery in close combat are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    July 10, 1964

    Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, General Orders No. 213 (February 11, 1965)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Infantry) Michael Finlay Field (ASN: 0-90798), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Field distinguished himself by heroic action on 10 July 1964, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, he was participating in a search and clear operation as pilot of an O-1F aircraft with the mission of aerial surveillance and radio relay for the 30th Ranger Battalion, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The battalion encountered heavy small arms fire from an estimated company of Viet Cong. Captain Field provided information concerning the enemy dispositions, maneuvers, and obtained pin-point artillery support. After approximately two hours of intense fighting, the company found itself surrounded on three sides by the enemy and were forced into a defensive posture by what had now become two battalions of Viet Cong. At this time, the aircraft piloted by Captain Field was hit by automatic weapons fire which damaged the internal structure and control cable and resulted in Captain Field receiving slight wounds. Despite grave personal danger, Captain Field elected to remain and support the surrounded unit until lack of fuel forced him to return to base. Captain Field, despite his wounds, returned to the operational area later that night and directed armed helicopter strikes and flare ships. Throughout the entire period Captain Field distinguished himself with valor. His courage and devotion to duty under fire reflect great credit upon himself, and the United States Army, and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    9th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

    Action Date:

    May 27, 1967

    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 4735 (August 19, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Michael Finlay Field (ASN: 0-90798), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Field distinguished himself on 27 May 1967, by exceptionally valorous action while serving as Commander of a team of UH-1B helicopters, CH-13 scout helicopters and one air transported infantry platoon during a reconnaissance mission near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam. As Captain Field conducted a low level aerial reconnaissance over the area, he received intense enemy automatic weapons fire from two locations. He immediately placed deadly rocket and machine gun fire on the enemy positions which successfully neutralized the enemy fire. Captain Field then air assaulted his infantry platoon into the area and directed them toward the enemy locations. The lead squad was immediately engaged by heavy automatic weapons fire from covered emplacements and sustained two serious casualties. Captain Field recognized that the platoon was surrounded by an enemy company and immediately requested a reaction force to relieve the encircled platoon. He also began to deliver suppressive fire and adjust artillery fire on the enemy positions which enabled the infantry platoon to withdraw and organize a defensive perimeter. Due to Captain Field’s action, enemy casualties for the operation surpassed 100 killed. Although his aircraft was under continuous enemy ground fire and sustained six direct hits, Captain Field left the embattled area only after his fuel supply was dangerously low and his ammunition was completely exhausted. Captain Field’s gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.