Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Michael
John
Smith
DNB (1986)
April 30, 1945

–

January 28, 1986

Born:

Beaufort

, 

North Carolina

Michael Smith graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1967. After serving in combat in Vietnam he became a NASA Astronaut and pilot of the Space Shuttle Challenger. He was killed on duty when the shuttle exploded shortly after take-off on January 28, 1986.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 52 (VA-52)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)

    Action Date:

    May 18, 1972

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Michael John Smith, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron FIFTY-TWO (VA-52), embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63). On 18 May 1972, Lieutenant Smith was the leader of a division of strike aircraft on an air wing strike against the Uong Bi Thermal Power Plant in North Vietnam. Undaunted by marginal weather conditions, a sustained barrage of anti-aircraft artillery fire and surface-to-air missiles, he led his division to the best attack position. In an exceptional display of airmanship, he executed a devastating bombing attack on the target resulting in destruction of the coal treatment buildings which substantially reduced the enemy’s electrical power supply. Lieutenant Smith’s outstanding airmanship, aggressive leadership and courage under fire reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Defense Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Action Date:

    July 7, 1980 – January 27, 1986

    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 Commander Michael John Smith, United States Navy, for exceptional service as an Astronaut with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, from 7 July 1980 to 27 January 1986. From his first assignment to the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory, to his assignment as a pilot, his superior planning, leadership, and his dedication and drive contributed to an enormous improvement in this Nation’s ability to operate in space. His day-to-day achievements while assigned to National Aeronautics and Space Administration were in such various activities as management, piloting skills, night landing development, crew training, and the integration of payload specialists into the flight program. His personal dedication, extraordinary operational skills, and superb technical expertise contributed significantly to this Nation’s Space Program. The distinctive accomplishments of Commander Smith reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.