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 Major Michael Joseph Dugan (AFSN: FR-49818), United States Air Force, for gallantry in military operations against an opposing armed force on 4 June 1967, as an A-1E pilot assigned to the 1st Air Commando Squadron, 34th Tactical Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, Pleiku Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Major Dugan flew two missions in support of a fifty man United States Army Special Forces team that was trapped in a single large bomb crater by an overwhelming force of North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Despite low hanging clouds and intense hostile fire which tore eight holes in his aircraft, Major Dugan courageously attacked and destroyed a great number of North Vietnamese gun positions surrounding the trapped team. When all of his ammunition was expended Major Dugan heroically continued to make dry passes with his damaged aircraft to draw fire away from the beleaguered friendlies, thus thwarting a determined North Vietnamese attack and contributing significantly to the eventual rescue of the entire team. The gallantry, aggressiveness under fire and devotion to duty displayed by Major Dugan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Michael Joseph Dugan (AFSN: FR-49818), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, from 1984 to 1986. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Dugan and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
GeneralDivision:
United States Air Forces in EuropeAction Date:
April 1989 – June 1990
Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Michael Joseph Dugan (AFSN: FR-49818), United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service as Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe and Commander-in-Chief, United States Air Forces in Europe, from April 1989 to June 1990. General Dugan’s enthusiastic leadership and ceaseless efforts significantly enhanced the Allied Air Forces’ readiness during a period of rapid change in the European security environment. General Dugan brought about substantial improvements in the integration of Allied Air Forces in Europe especially through advancements in air campaign concepts, the Tactical Evaluation Program and the Tactical Leadership Program. While under his command, United States Air Forces in Europe continued the timely withdrawal of intermediate range nuclear forces and made detailed preparations for substantial reductions in conventional forces. His dedication, foresight, professionalism and genuine concern for the welfare of his people allowed his commands to maintain the highest standards of readiness. The distinctive accomplishments of General Dugan reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Michael Joseph Dugan (AFSN: FR-49818), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, in 1990. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Dugan and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Michael Joseph Dugan (AFSN: FR-49818), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer to the Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, from 1975 to 1977. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Dugan and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralRegiment:
Operations, Tactical Air CommandDivision:
Langley Air Force Base, VirginiaAction Date:
September 1, 1984 – June 9, 1986
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Michael Joseph Dugan (AFSN: FR-49818), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Dugan distinguished himself as Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Tactical Air Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, from 1 September 1984 to 9 June 1986. During this period, General Dugan’s dynamic leadership, exemplary foresight and ceaseless efforts significantly enhanced the combat capability of Tactical Air Command. His relentless emphasis on maintaining a motivated, well trained force of warriors and continuing concentration on upgrading the readiness of all Tactical Air Command forces ready for any contingency. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Dugan reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
1st Air Commando SquadronDivision:
Pleiku Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
Vietnam War
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Michael Joseph Dugan (AFSN: FR-49818), United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as an A-1E pilot assigned to the 1st Air Commando Squadron, Pleiku Air Base, in the Republic of Vietnam, in 1967. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Michael Joseph Dugan (AFSN: FR-49818), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 23d Tactical Fighter Wing, from 1980 to 1981. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Dugan and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.