AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Space
MODEL:  Discovery

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Michael L. Coats, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commander of the Shuttle Orbiter DISCOVERY from 13 March 1989 to 18 March 1989. Captain Coats's outstanding leadership and exceptional flying skills significantly enhanced the successful achievement of major mission objectives, including the successful deployment of a tracking and data relay communications satellite, the conduct of numerous experiments and test objectives, and an unplanned and unprecedented series of Orbiter maneuvers in space to obtain the data desired from a malfunctioning Space Station Freedom heat transfer experiment. Captain Coats's distinguished accomplishments, exceptional performance, and inspiring devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.