Mike, having a DFC on your record is nice but you have something that a bunch of DC bureaucrats can never take away from you - the undying respect and admiration of the men who served with you.
And now, thanks to John Lucas, his readers know what you did and share in that admiration and respect for you.
You are a courageous man, Mike! Many would have said “Good luck Skipper, don’t kill us!” My father was a two-tour FAC in VN, and I have five serving now - 1 Marine. 2 Army, 2 AF, and married to an Army Gold Star wife. I myself flew in the AF. I am not worthy to serve you, or any of my family, breakfast. Your story has made this year’s Veteran’s Day inspirational.
Clearly you are no longer a "Little-Known Veteran". You are a Soldier's Soldier. Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking. Bravery is taking risk because it is felt to be the right thing at the time.. God bless you for your bravery, your cool headedness under duress, and your saving two lives. You have the admiration of many, with or without a medal.
Mike, speaking for every Trooper I led or commanded in A/2-5 Cav, 3rd Bde, 1st Cav Div (Aug ‘70 - Mar ‘72) – plus no doubt many hundreds who served before us – I salute you for your valor on 7/27/71. Moreover, I ask that you accept our profound gratitude … for it could have been my rifle company you were supporting that day. We were routine beneficiaries of your 9th Cav’s conspicuous brand of gallantry. You and your mates doubtless saved many of our lives by responding in minutes with the decisive edge in scores of firefights, most of them in or near NVA bunker complexes. Since you’re an authentic warrior you already know what the REMFs think is of little consequence … as opposed to your comrades-in-arms’ opinions. Thank you, Sir. We shall remember you.
Well done, Mike! The Green Machine screwed up. Not the first time, not the last. We had a similar problem in my unit (classified); we wanted to “highly decorate” award the pilot, USAF wanted to court martial him. We won only because our chain of command to THE Commander-on-Chief was so short. Please know that this old snake eater appreciates your efforts!
As a slick driver in a Cav outfit it is always difficult to explain to someone who was not there, what you guys went through flying those little birds. Now when the action gets thrown up a notch and the gunner is helping a wounded pilot drive the bird home, a DFC is drop in the bucket when it comes to covering your pilot's six.
Be proud of your time in the Cav and know that everyone who climbed in a bird in RVN is proud of you.
Mike — I was a sophomore in college when you were performing these heroics. Most of us had no idea what guys you were doing. You kept us safe by laying it directly on the line. You deserve and have our thanks. I have spent a career in the law fighting bureaucrats. Trust me, they have not taken, nor can they take, a DFC, or anything. They don’t earn anything so they cannot understand those who have. Happy Veterans Day and thanks again.
Mike, I read this and am so inspired of your story, and what a brave and heroic act that you preformed that day for the safety of yourself and your pilot. It is because of people like you that we get to have such an amazing country to live in. Thank you for everything you did and thank you thank you thank you for the selfless sacrifice and courage you displayed on that day and every day to serve this country. God Bless you, God Bless our troops, and God Bless these United States. I hope despite the military's confusing and unwarranted inability to add this award that you clearly deserve and earned, you feel honored and respected and thanked for your actions and devotion to this country. God Bless!
Mike, congratulations to you and thanks for your valorous service. You are a patriot and a great American. Well done on all counts. All my best, Jim McDonough (a fellow soldier)
As a Huey gunship driver, I can only be awed by Mike's story. I participated in a rescue of an OV crew on Charlie Ridge. The bravery shown that day by all the rotor and fixed wing jockeys we called on for help is something I will never forget.
This story touched a nerve for me. I’ll just say that the bureaucracy of second guessing, pencil-pushing cowards is still alive and well.
To share the sentiment expressed by others, while the bureaucrats unjustly stole the recognition you unquestionably earned, you received the highest decoration a warrior can receive - the respect of those you served with. That award never comes easy, and is always bestowed by those worthy of its adjudication.
Thank you for everything you’ve done for this country. You are a reminder of what makes this country great.
I can only raise a glass and lift up a prayer of thanks to the Almighty for your service, Mike. I hope all the men cited in this story got to return home to their families and grow old with them.
That's what the board is trying to do to Mike. Steal the DFC. But all that board can steal from him is an entry on a file buried somewhere in a warehouse. Mike still has the admiration from those who served with him, as well as the admiration from those of us who read this essay. Mike also has the memory of the award ceremony, and, I assume, he also has the medal itself. So Mike has what matters. Screw the file. So what.
Mike, having a DFC on your record is nice but you have something that a bunch of DC bureaucrats can never take away from you - the undying respect and admiration of the men who served with you.
And now, thanks to John Lucas, his readers know what you did and share in that admiration and respect for you.
Happy Veteran's Day
Thanks for your support.
You are a courageous man, Mike! Many would have said “Good luck Skipper, don’t kill us!” My father was a two-tour FAC in VN, and I have five serving now - 1 Marine. 2 Army, 2 AF, and married to an Army Gold Star wife. I myself flew in the AF. I am not worthy to serve you, or any of my family, breakfast. Your story has made this year’s Veteran’s Day inspirational.
Thank you.
Thanks for your support.
Thanks for your support of Mike, Johnny. But, fyi, Mike’s officers stood up for him. It was the bureaucrats in DC that dropped/deflated the ball.
Mike,
Clearly you are no longer a "Little-Known Veteran". You are a Soldier's Soldier. Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking. Bravery is taking risk because it is felt to be the right thing at the time.. God bless you for your bravery, your cool headedness under duress, and your saving two lives. You have the admiration of many, with or without a medal.
Mike, speaking for every Trooper I led or commanded in A/2-5 Cav, 3rd Bde, 1st Cav Div (Aug ‘70 - Mar ‘72) – plus no doubt many hundreds who served before us – I salute you for your valor on 7/27/71. Moreover, I ask that you accept our profound gratitude … for it could have been my rifle company you were supporting that day. We were routine beneficiaries of your 9th Cav’s conspicuous brand of gallantry. You and your mates doubtless saved many of our lives by responding in minutes with the decisive edge in scores of firefights, most of them in or near NVA bunker complexes. Since you’re an authentic warrior you already know what the REMFs think is of little consequence … as opposed to your comrades-in-arms’ opinions. Thank you, Sir. We shall remember you.
Well done, Mike! The Green Machine screwed up. Not the first time, not the last. We had a similar problem in my unit (classified); we wanted to “highly decorate” award the pilot, USAF wanted to court martial him. We won only because our chain of command to THE Commander-on-Chief was so short. Please know that this old snake eater appreciates your efforts!
Happy Armistice/Remembrance/Veterans Day!
Thanks for your support, Craig.
Mike,
As a slick driver in a Cav outfit it is always difficult to explain to someone who was not there, what you guys went through flying those little birds. Now when the action gets thrown up a notch and the gunner is helping a wounded pilot drive the bird home, a DFC is drop in the bucket when it comes to covering your pilot's six.
Be proud of your time in the Cav and know that everyone who climbed in a bird in RVN is proud of you.
Chris Sautter Sabre31
Thanks for your support, Chris.
Mike — I was a sophomore in college when you were performing these heroics. Most of us had no idea what guys you were doing. You kept us safe by laying it directly on the line. You deserve and have our thanks. I have spent a career in the law fighting bureaucrats. Trust me, they have not taken, nor can they take, a DFC, or anything. They don’t earn anything so they cannot understand those who have. Happy Veterans Day and thanks again.
Steve Gannon
Thanks for your support Steve.
Mike, I read this and am so inspired of your story, and what a brave and heroic act that you preformed that day for the safety of yourself and your pilot. It is because of people like you that we get to have such an amazing country to live in. Thank you for everything you did and thank you thank you thank you for the selfless sacrifice and courage you displayed on that day and every day to serve this country. God Bless you, God Bless our troops, and God Bless these United States. I hope despite the military's confusing and unwarranted inability to add this award that you clearly deserve and earned, you feel honored and respected and thanked for your actions and devotion to this country. God Bless!
Thanks for your support Braden.
Mike, congratulations to you and thanks for your valorous service. You are a patriot and a great American. Well done on all counts. All my best, Jim McDonough (a fellow soldier)
Thanks, Jim.
As a Huey gunship driver, I can only be awed by Mike's story. I participated in a rescue of an OV crew on Charlie Ridge. The bravery shown that day by all the rotor and fixed wing jockeys we called on for help is something I will never forget.
Mike,
This story touched a nerve for me. I’ll just say that the bureaucracy of second guessing, pencil-pushing cowards is still alive and well.
To share the sentiment expressed by others, while the bureaucrats unjustly stole the recognition you unquestionably earned, you received the highest decoration a warrior can receive - the respect of those you served with. That award never comes easy, and is always bestowed by those worthy of its adjudication.
Thank you for everything you’ve done for this country. You are a reminder of what makes this country great.
Happy Veterans Day.
Never forget.
I can only raise a glass and lift up a prayer of thanks to the Almighty for your service, Mike. I hope all the men cited in this story got to return home to their families and grow old with them.
Thanks for your support.
Good job Mike!
Thanks for your support, Benjamin.
Stolen Valor.
That's what the board is trying to do to Mike. Steal the DFC. But all that board can steal from him is an entry on a file buried somewhere in a warehouse. Mike still has the admiration from those who served with him, as well as the admiration from those of us who read this essay. Mike also has the memory of the award ceremony, and, I assume, he also has the medal itself. So Mike has what matters. Screw the file. So what.
Mike, thanks for your service, and welcome home.
Thanks for your support, George.
Precisely.
Mike Perry,
You received your medal for an act
of valor. The bureaucrats are beanheads who cannot take that away from you. You have my respect and thank you for a job well done.
Thanks for your support, Ron.