Central Resident Receives Honorable Order of St. Michael Bronze Award

By Linda Chapman

Chief Warrant Officer Michael Chapman (pictured above), a resident of Central, received the Honorable Order of St. Michael with bronze award, a prestigious aviation achievement award, March 5, at Camp Beauregard. According to the sponsoring agency, The Army Aviation Association of America, the Order of Saint Michael recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of Army Aviation in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient's seniors, subordinates and peers. These individuals must also demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, moral character and display an outstanding degree of professional competence while serving the United States Army Aviation or civilian aviation community with distinction.

The legend of Saint Michael defeating the dragon exemplifies the bravery and gallantry associated with the aviation soldier and the boldness and swiftness of aviation on the battlefield. As a brave warrior and protector, Saint Michael is the embodiment of courage and justice and is an appropriate symbol of excellence in Army Aviation.

Mike joined the Army in 1969 and served as a pilot with the 92nd Assault Helicopter Company, Gun Platoon known as the Sidekicks in Vietnam where he was awarded the Air Medal with Valor/Heroism and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star. 

Mike was active in the Louisiana National Guard from 1986 until his retirement in October 2010.  He served as a Master Army Aviator with both the 1/244th Combat Aviation Battalion and the 204th Air Traffic Services Group.  

    Mike served three tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  During the first tour in 2004/05, Mike flew Blackhawks with the 1/244th Combat Aviation Battalion moving commanders, ambassadors, senators, and other heads of state throughout the war zone.  During this tour he was awarded his second Air Medal and acquired over 1000 career combat hours.

   In 2008/09, he returned to Iraq for a second tour in with the 1/244th Combat Aviation Battalion serving as Safety Officer and flying Blackhawks with his Unit during this deployment.  In 2009, Mike returned to Iraq/Kuwait with the 204th Theater Airfield Operations Group. During his last deployment, Mike was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 5 and awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

    Mike has been awarded several Humanitarian Service awards including rescue and rebuilding operations during hurricanes Andrew (Louisiana 1993), Mitch (Honduras 1998), and Katrina/Rita (Louisiana 2005).  He was based at the Super Dome for the first nine days following Katrina’s landfall actively participating in the assignment of aircraft rescue missions and running air traffic control.  He was awarded the Louisiana Commendation Medal for his service during Katrina.