THE WALL OF FACES

I am from Nebraska as was Mike just 20 miles south of Omaha in Plattsmouth. I was in the Class of ‘69. During my first year and thereafter he looked me up and encouraged me to stick with it and not give up. He was an inspiration to me. I followed Kay and his mother’s ordeal as they fought to get him back. I am a docent at the SAC air and Space Museum near Omaha and will work to establish a memorial to him there.

Mike and I were number 1 and 2 in Nav Class 71-10 at 3540 NTS, Mather AFB. We received our wings in November 1970 (Over 50 years ago). We both went to EWO school in the 3537 EWTS class 72-01. He and Ed Johnson chose F-105 Wild Weasel assignments. He was a good friend and classmate. As soon as I knew he was MIA, i purchased a bracelet. Sometime in the early 2000's, I stopped by Kay's house and returned the bracelet to her and expressed my sympathy on her loss.

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Michael Joseph Bosiljevac, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 17th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force, in Southeast Asia, on 11 May 1972. On that date, as Electronic Warfare Officer in the lead F-105 Thunderchief in a flight of four F-105s, Captain Bosiljevac directed repeated attacks against hostile surface-to-air missile batteries threatening a large strike force, prompting the firing of ten missiles toward himself and away from the strike force. While providing accurate threat warning to his flight and the strike force, he directed the expenditure of retaliatory missiles, initiated active electronic countermeasures, and assisted his pilot by maintaining visual contact with the rest of the flight as it successfully disengaged from an attack of hostile interceptors. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Bosiljevac has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/24121

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Michael Joseph Bosiljevac, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-105G Electronic Warfare Officer with the 17th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force, near Phuc Yen Airfield, North Vietnam, on 29 September 1972. On that date, while supporting air strikes against enemy storage areas, Captain Bosiljevac repeatedly exposed himself to enemy anti-aircraft defenses in order to draw fire away from nearby American Forces. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Bosiljevac continued to engage a surface-to-air missile site despite indications of a missile accurately tracking his aircraft. This courageous and aggressive attack enabled the strike forces to penetrate the target area defenses, successfully complete their mission, and safely withdraw. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Bosiljevac has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/24121

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Michael Joseph Bosiljevac), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105G Electronic Warfare Officer over Southeast Asia on 6 March 1972. On that date, Captain Bosiljevac, disregarding both heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire and the dangers presented by nearby hostile airborne interceptors, inflicted heavy damage upon a ground controlled airborne intercept radar site. His aggressiveness and timely reactions silenced the site as it vectored a hostile interceptor to within ten miles of his aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Bosiljevac reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/24121