(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 K. McCuistion, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight an F-105 pilot with the 333d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia in 1967. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 8, 1967 – March 4, 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Michael K. McCuistion, United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 8 May 1967 to 4 March 1973. Ignoring International agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. This American resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
333d Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
TakhliAction Date:
April 30, 1967
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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Michael K. McCuistion, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 pilot with the 333d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 30 April 1967. On that date, Captain McCuistion played a key role in an extremely complex and hazardous search and rescue mission which involved four downed crew members. Captain McCuistion selflessly placed his personal safety in jeopardy by pushing his fuel state to hairline limits in an attempt to insure the rescue of his downed comrades. The high degree of professionalism, courage under fire and extraordinary airmanship displayed by Captain McCuistion could have made these rescue attempts successful had not other factors deterred the rescue helicopters. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain McCuistion has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 8, 1967 – March 4, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain Michael K. McCuistion, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 8 May 1967 to 4 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of Prisoners of War, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of North Vietnam, demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion, and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, he continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
333d Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
TakhliAction Date:
May 15, 1969
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 K. McCuistion, United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 15 May 1969, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Captain Abbott resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 8, 1967 – March 4, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Michael K. McCuistion, United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 8 May 1967 to 4 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 8, 1967 – March 4, 1973
Captain Michael K. McCuistion, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 8, 1967 until his release on March 4, 1973.