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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Chief Warrant Officer Two (CWO-2) Michael J. Durant, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 13 February 1991 while serving as Pilot in Command of a MH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter, Company D, 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), during Operation DESERT STORM in Southwest Asia. Chief Warrant Officer Durant conducted an escort and strike mission deep in enemy territory under zero illumination at a dangerously low altitude to evade the air defense artillery threat. In spite of extremely hazardous environmental conditions, his courage and determination enabled his crew to flawlessly execute the high risk mission. Chief Warrant Officer Durant’s outstanding performance reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)

    Action Date:

    October 3, 1993

    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 Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. Durant, United States Army, for gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty on 3 October 1993, while serving as a Joint Special Operations Task Force RANGER Flight Lead, Company D, Task Force 1/160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), during combat operations in Mogadishu, Somalia. After leading his force of four MH-60 Blackhawk Assault Helicopters onto an objective covered by intense enemy fire, Chief Warrant Officer Durant returned to provide overwatch for ground elements as they recovered crewmen and soldiers from a downed aircraft. He persevered, through intense enemy fire until his aircraft was struck by a rocket propelled grenade. Despite severe damage he was able to land the aircraft upright. Chief Warrant Officer Durant’s performance reflects great credit upon him and the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer Three (CWO-3)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Somalia)

    Action Date:

    October 3, 1993 – October 14, 1993

    Chief Warrant Officer Three (CWO-3) Michael J. Durant, United States Army, was captured after his MH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter was shot down in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 3 October 1993, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his release on 14 October 1993.