tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post8474500696166815075..comments2024-03-28T18:36:50.250-07:00Comments on Chant du Départ: The MemorialOldAFSargehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15935839956936191547noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-15316475362388531742014-10-06T05:08:57.208-07:002014-10-06T05:08:57.208-07:00Captain Estocin's official Medal of Honor cita...Captain Estocin's official Medal of Honor citation reads:<br /><br />For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 20 and 26 April 1967 as a pilot in Attack Squadron 192, embarked in USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14). Leading a 3-plane group of aircraft in support of a coordinated strike against two thermal power plants in Haiphong, North Vietnam, on 20 April 1967, Capt. Estocin provided continuous warnings to the strike group leaders of the surface-to-air missile (SAM) threats, and personally neutralized 3 SAM sites. Although his aircraft was severely damaged by an exploding missile, he reentered the target area and relentlessly prosecuted a SHRIKE attack in the face of intense antiaircraft fire. With less than 5 minutes of fuel remaining he departed the target area and commenced in-flight refueling which continued for over 100 miles. Three miles aft of Ticonderoga, and without enough fuel for a second approach, he disengaged from the tanker and executed a precise approach to a fiery arrested landing. On 26 April 1967, in support of a coordinated strike against the vital fuel facilities in Haiphong, he led an attack on a threatening SAM site, during which his aircraft was seriously damaged by an exploding SAM; nevertheless, he regained control of his burning aircraft and courageously launched his SHRIKE missiles before departing the area. By his inspiring courage and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Captain Estocin upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.OldAFSargehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15935839956936191547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-73212730396627025732014-10-05T22:19:41.627-07:002014-10-05T22:19:41.627-07:00They were all worthy men. I saw the one at the top...They were all worthy men. I saw the one at the top center. Curiously enough, I remember Captain Estocin's marker on the other side of Cabrillo Drive at Fort Rosecrans. I used to drive up there on Memorial Days. He never came home. HMS Defianthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10024721130102173694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-75129043747365646192014-10-05T15:18:37.906-07:002014-10-05T15:18:37.906-07:00I know. The reason for this memorial breaks my hea...I know. The reason for this memorial breaks my heart.<br /><br />But I'm proud to remember them.OldAFSargehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15935839956936191547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-10338048839017080332014-10-05T13:18:08.784-07:002014-10-05T13:18:08.784-07:00So fitting, this tribute. They will never be forg...So fitting, this tribute. They will never be forgotten.Home on the Rangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-48969671698619144022014-10-05T10:11:24.948-07:002014-10-05T10:11:24.948-07:00Same here.Same here.OldAFSargehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15935839956936191547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-58009653004540739872014-10-05T10:11:15.754-07:002014-10-05T10:11:15.754-07:00If there is I'll let you know Glenn.If there is I'll let you know Glenn.OldAFSargehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15935839956936191547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-45764150562340926532014-10-05T10:10:53.084-07:002014-10-05T10:10:53.084-07:00Many contributed.Many contributed.OldAFSargehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15935839956936191547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-46016634704274876062014-10-05T10:10:35.166-07:002014-10-05T10:10:35.166-07:00I can't wait to see it in person!I can't wait to see it in person!OldAFSargehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15935839956936191547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-38321616897989845512014-10-05T09:46:48.054-07:002014-10-05T09:46:48.054-07:00Glad they finally got it done! Glad they finally got it done! Old NFOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16404197287935017147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-37956879203054925952014-10-05T09:37:29.687-07:002014-10-05T09:37:29.687-07:00I'm a bubblehead, but wish I had known in able...I'm a bubblehead, but wish I had known in able to contribute. For Lex, and all the others. Anything in continuation?Glenn555https://www.blogger.com/profile/13868912985949037098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-78016813261368888932014-10-05T08:26:27.490-07:002014-10-05T08:26:27.490-07:00Thanks for your efforts.Thanks for your efforts.SoCal Pir8https://www.blogger.com/profile/15601598407298523580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-80404164528102632382014-10-05T07:37:21.969-07:002014-10-05T07:37:21.969-07:00Very nice.Very nice.Buckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05319116022465066060noreply@blogger.com