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 First Lieutenant Michael Bruce Lackey, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action on Koh Tang Island in the Gul of Thailand on 15 May 1975. On that date, Lieutenant Lackey, Aircraft Commander of a CH-53 Rescue Helicopter, flew his aircraft to the site of an aircraft downed by hostile fire and successfully rescued the crew. Fully loaded with a contingent of United States Marines, the crew which he had just rescued, Lieutenant Lackey continued his mission. In spite of continuing heavy ground fire which severely damaged the aircraft, he successfully delivered his contingent of United States Marines to the small landing zone on the beach. With his contingent of Marines on the island, he then left the area and flew his damaged aircraft 200 miles to friendly territory where a wounded member of his crew could receive medical attention. This courageous action aided in the save recovery of the S.S. Mayaguez and its crew. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Lackey has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
April 19 – May 2, 1975
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 First Lieutenant Michael Bruce Lackey, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in the Republic of South Vietnam, from 19 April 1975 to 2 May 1975. During this period, Lieutenant Lackey displayed exemplary skill and outstanding airmanship in the face of hostile fire during extended hours of flight under substandard night weather conditions to evacuate the American Ambassador, American citizens and other foreign nationals from the besieged city of Saigon. Lieutenant Lackey’s perseverance in operating his CH-53 Rescue Helicopter on numerous sorties from an unfamiliar aircraft carrier environment into dimly illuminated landing zones was a major factor in the return of more than 7,000 men, women and children from a life or death situation to waiting rescue ships. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lackey reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in awarding the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Michael Bruce Lackey, United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense as Inspector General, Headquarters, North American Aerospace Defense Command and Headquarters, United States Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, from July 1992 to June 1995. During this period, Colonel Lackey’s leadership, judgment, dedication and initiative significantly improved the conduct of binational, unified, and multi-command evaluations. His ceaseless commitment to more realistic and comprehensive inspection scenarios will continue to enhance the combat readiness of air and space defense for years to come. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Lackey reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Michael Bruce Lackey, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1992 to 1996. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Lackey culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 11, 1990 – July 8, 1992
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 Bruce Lackey, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander and Commander, Air Forces Iceland, Keflavik Naval Air Station, Iceland, from 11 July 1990 to 8 July 1992. During his tenure, Colonel Lackey’s superb leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts resulted in unprecedented enhancements to the air defense of Iceland and the western flank of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. He improved combat readiness and prepared Air Forces Iceland for an Operational Readiness Inspection which garnered some of the highest marks ever attained by a wing organization. Colonel Lackey sett the course for an award-winning year — Best Small Security Police Squadron in Tactical Air Command and Tom Team and Top Gun honors in the November 1991 Tactical Air Command Long Arrow competition. Through his commitment to excellence in mission performance and unwavering dedication to combat readiness, Colonel Lackey strengthened the combat capability of the Iceland Defense Force and contributed directly to peace and security in the free world. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Lackey reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.