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 E. Skaret, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Skaret distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander aboard a UH-1H helicopter on a ten ship mission to move three infantry companies into three landing zones. One landing zone had not been previously reconnoitered. He instructed his lift ships to orbit the proposed new landing zone while he attempted to land and place a Pathfinder and engineer clearing element in the newly selected landing zone. On approach his aircraft drew heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire. He directed his armed helicopters to the locations of the enemy fire and had the area thoroughly strafed with friendly fire. He then attempted a second approach and drew more enemy fire, and his aircraft received two hits wounding a Pathfinder. He continued the approach terminating at a low hover enabling the Pathfinders and engineer crews to jump from the aircraft. He remained in a hover long enough to ascertain that the crews were reasonably safe and to select the best approach and touch down site. Ascending to altitude he led his orbiting troop carrying helicopters into the landing zone and then flew the wounded Pathfinder to medical aid. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.orgThe 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 E. Skaret, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Skaret distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1H helicopter. An aircraft had been shot down by a B-40 rocket and the crew seriously injured. He immediately departed for the crash site near a fire base. He conducted a low level reconnaissance of the area, drawing heavy volumes of small arms fire and determined that the injured crew had been pulled clear of the wreckage. He initiated an approach to a small clearing near the crash site drawing both automatic weapons and sniper fire and terminated at a low hover. A rigging crew jumped from the helicopter and prepared the wreckage for airlift. Meanwhile Captain Skaret called for armed helicopters and a CH-47 helicopter to lift the wreckage. Two armed helicopters’ teams expended their ordnance with little decrease in enemy fire. An Air Force bombing and strafing run was made and enemy activity appeared to decrease. He called for the CH-47 with armed helicopter cover and the wreckage was pulled clear of the landing pad. Captain Skaret checked the area for signs of enemy activity and picked up the rigging crew, and then began resupply of the fire base. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.