As a decorated fighter pilot, Mike made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War, embodying the forceful spirit and relentless drive that defined his career. He was shot down while flying a close air support mission in Vietnam in 1972. Originally, he was buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery; and later, through DNA analysis, he was identified and reinterred near his hometown in Missouri.

 

Mike’s improbable journey began when he entered with the Class of 1970. A fundamental principle of the Academy’s training stresses the need for and prepares cadets to be leaders and warriors with that spirit filling every aspect of cadet life. Athletics is a basic feature of that cadet life. In years past, every cadet opened Contrails to memorize General MacArthur's quote, “Upon the fields of friendly strife . . .” From the first moment cadets walk onto those fields, they begin to learn grit, determination, strength of purpose, leadership, teamwork, and that “never give up” attitude. Excelling in multiple sports, Mike embodied the MacArthur vision.