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 Michael Sutton McRae (AFSN: 0-3120049), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller of the 21st Tactical Support Squadron, in action near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam, on 11 November 1967. On that date, three companies of United States Forces assaulted Hill 724 and as the last unit moved onto the hilltop a battalion size force of hostile troops poured a withering fire of mortars, automatic weapons, rockets and small arms into their positions from carefully prepared and heavily constructed ambush bunkers. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain McRae repeatedly dove his aircraft through intense ground fire, marked the target and continued to direct numerous air attacks against the hostile force, routing them and saving numerous friendly lives. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain McRae has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
21st Tactical Support SquadronAction Date:
November 11, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-862 (March 18, 1968) -
Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-116 (January 13, 1968)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 Michael Sutton McRae (AFSN: 0-3120049), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Jackson Hole, Republic of Vietnam, on 23 August 1967. On that date, Captain McRae flew at night and in adverse weather conditions in support of a beleaguered friendly base camp which was besieged by hostile mortar and rocket fire. Despite the hazards of low ceilings, mountainous terrain and reduced visibility caused by smoke and fog, Captain McRae skillfully directed Tactical Air Power against the hostile positions and caused a cessation in the assault against the friendly outpost. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain McRae reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
21st Tactical Support SquadronAction Date:
February 3, 1968
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1553 (May 25, 1968)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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Michael Sutton McRae (AFSN: 0-3120049), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at Dak To, Republic of Vietnam, on 3 February 1968. On that date, as darkness approached, a friendly base camp was subjected to intense mortar and rocket fire which inflicted heavy damage to the runway, parking ramp, bunkers and hospital areas. Disregarding the hostile fire, Captain McRae made his way to the Tactical Operations Center where he coordinated requests for immediate air support and then drove through the barrage to his aircraft. After taking off from the runway pitted by huge craters and littered with large pieces of shrapnel he proceeded to direct artillery fire and air support missions with absolute accuracy and consummate skill which resulted in repulsing the hostile force. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain McRae has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 27, 1986 – July 31, 1988
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Michael Sutton McRae (AFSN: 0-3120049), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Detachment 34, Air Force Contract Management Division, Air Force Plant Representative Office, Boeing Military Airplanes, Air Force Systems Command, Wichita, Kansas, from 27 July 1986 to 31 July 1988. During this period, the superior leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts of Colonel McRae were instrumental in effective contract administration of over 7 billion dollars worth of major defense-critical contracts involving KC-135 Programmed Depot Maintenance, B-1B Offensive Avionics, A-6 Rewing, and Air Force One. On these nationally important programs, Colonel McRae’s astute business acumen and devotion to duty were instrumental factors in the resolution of numerous problems of major importance to the Navy and Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel McRae culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-872 (March 19, 1968)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 Michael Sutton McRae (AFSN: 0-3120049), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam, on 9 November 1967. On that date, Captain McRae took off before sunrise from a narrow, unlighted runway almost completely obscured by fog, in support of friendly forces who were pinned down by a large unfriendly force firing from well-concealed and heavily constructed bunkers. For the next two hours, Captain McRae was exposed to intense hostile fire but with complete disregard for his personal safety, he searched for, found, and had six flights of fighter bombers destroy the hostile positions. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain McRae reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.