More detail on this person: MH-6 in TF 160 hit an electrical tower and crashed into the
Cumberland River. This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
06/15/2024
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Was selected in 1980 as the person to form and command the aviation unit to conduct the second
rescue attempt for the hostages in Iran. Continued as the Commander of that unit which eventually
became Task Force 160 and is now the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Died in a crash
near Fort Campbell KY, while leading a flight of MH-6 aircraft 7 October 1981. The Task Force 160
MH-6 hit an electrical tower and crashed into the Cumberland River, while leading a flight of 22
aircraft on a long range, night vision assault mission. Buried at Arlington. First tour in 4/47
Inf 9 Inf Div, Flight School then second tour 1970 with 2/17 Cav, 101st Airborne. While serving in
Vietnam with 4/47th Infantry 9 Infantry Division, he was recommend for the Medal of Honor for
actions in March 1968. It was downgraded to a Distinguished Service Cross. He was inducted into
the Army Aviation Hall of Fame posthumously during the annual convention in Nashville April 2004.
Mike was a good friend, mentor and the fiercest warrior I met in a 30 year career. Some of his
significant contributions will be noted in a book that will be published in the late fall, "Night
Stalkers" by Steve Hartov (coauthor of "In the Company of Heroes" with Mike Durant), it will be
worth reading. A common theme in the true story of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
will be the influence, especially the early days, of Vietnam Helicopter pilots.
From: Randy Cochran