The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Air Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Michael Joseph Francesconi, United States Army, for valor during aerial flight against enemy forces on 26 February 1991 while serving as an Aero-Scout Pilot, with the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, 1st Armored Division, deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation DESERT STORM. First Lieutenant Francesconi’s decisive action against 25 dug-in enemy tanks within his zone effectively destroyed the enemy force. His actions under fire directly contributed to the destruction of the Iraqi Republican Guard. His service to the country reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Armored Division, and the United States Army.