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 Thomas Scott (AFSN: FR-3195829), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Pilot of the 16th Special Operations Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Laos on 18 February 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over the notorious Ho Chi Minh Trail, his determination and technical skill contributed immeasurably to the destruction or severe damage of 32 hostile supply vehicles, as well as the creation of nine secondary fires and explosions. Despite the intense and accurate antiaircraft fire, he performed his duties with finesse and daring as his crew continued to press the attack throughout the night. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Scott 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 19, 1989 – August 3, 1993
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 Thomas Scott (AFSN: FR-3195829), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander for Operations, 513th Airborne Command and Control Wing, and as Vice Commander, 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, from 19 July 1989 to 3 August 1993. Colonel Scott’s dynamic leadership and knowledge contributed to the unprecedented success of the wing’s missions. He left his indelible imprint on every major program at Team Mildenhall, from excellent ratings in Multi-Major Command Inspections, massive contributions in the Gulf War, and unswerving commitment in support of United Nations/North Atlantic Treaty Organization contingency taskings for Operations PROVIDE COMFORT and PROMISE, DENY FLIGHT, RESTORE HOPE, and DESERT STORM, to name a few. As Director for Royal Air Force Mildenhall’s annual Air Fete, Colonel Scott led the enormous effort to stage the event for the past three years. As the largest air show hosted by a military unit in the world, each year 400,000 visitors enjoyed an exceptional 14-hour flying display and a mammoth static display over a two-day period; a phenomenal achievement. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Scott reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
16th Special Operations SquadronDivision:
Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
December 17, 1971
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 Michael Thomas Scott (AFSN: FR-3195829), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Pilot the 16th Special Operations Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Laos on 17 December 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission, his actions led to the damage or destruction of seven hostile supply vehicles and the ignition of four secondary fires, and eight secondary explosions. Putting aside his concern for personal safety in the face of 856 rounds of hostile antiaircraft fire he succeeded in destroying large amounts of supplies and munitions destined for use against friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Scott reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
August 31, 1993 – November 30, 1995
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 Legion of Merit to Colonel Michael Thomas Scott (AFSN: FR-3195829), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis Air Force Base, California, from 31 August 1993 to 30 November 1995. During this period, Colonel Scott’s exemplary leadership and foresight led to the smooth integration of 27 KC-10 aircraft and six new squadrons, comprised of 1,500 personnel, relocating to Travis Air Force Base. He ensured new mission requirements were incorporated into both a comprehensive Requirements and Management Plan and a Construction Management Plan, enabling the 50th Air Mobility Wing to accept 10 aircraft and 350 personnel one year earlier than originally scheduled. He facilitated an aggressive construction design schedule for 18 projects valued at $175 million. His ability to compress the design process by several months resulted in Travis Air Force Base winning 84 percent of the Air Force’s Base Realignment and Closure funds for 1994. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Scott culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
16th Special Operations SquadronDivision:
Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
April 24, 1971
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 Thomas Scott (AFSN: FR-3195829), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Pilot the 16th Special Operations Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Laos on 24 April 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 44 hostile supply vehicles, and the creation of numerous secondary fires and explosions. His skillful airmanship and perseverance in controlling the aircraft’s flight systems, despite the threat of over 700 rounds of deadly accurate antiaircraft fire, assured maximum firing accuracy and made this mission an outstanding success. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Scott reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
16th Special Operations SquadronDivision:
Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
March 2, 1971
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2452 (August 5, 1971)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 Thomas Scott (AFSN: FR-3195829), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an AC-130 Gunship Pilot of the 16th Special Operations Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Laos on 2 March 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over some of the most heavily defended supply routes in Southeast Asia, the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail, he contributed immeasurably to a devastating attack which resulted in the damage or destruction of 36 supply vehicles. Harassed at every point of the mission by accurate antiaircraft fire and surface-to-air missiles, he maintained a steady firing platform needed in the deadly attack on the hostile targets. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Scott has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.