AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (junior grade) Michael S. Fuller for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in combat with the enemy while attached to Attack Squadron Ninety-three, embarked in USS Hancock (CVA 19) on 19 June 1967 and 22 June 1967. Lieutenant (junior grade) Fuller, as element leader of two Ironhand aircraft, volunteered for and participated in two highly successful strikes on the strategically important and heavily defended Hai Duong railway bridges, East and West, in North Vietnam. During these strikes he made a total of six attacks at known surface-to-air missile sites at minimum altitude and range; and on both flights he was among the last aircraft to depart enemy territory. On 22 June one of the strike aircraft was hit and downed and, despite the fact that his only remaining armament was 50 rounds of 20mm, Lieutenant (junior grade) Fuller elected to orbit for ten minutes deep in enemy territory in order to be available to aid in the rescue operation. Lieutenant (junior grade) Fuller's outstanding airmanship and heroic devotion to duty, contributed substantially to the success of these missions. His unselfish courage in the face of grave personal danger was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.