Estocin's family wrote and sent packages. In August, 1972, a package was sent my Mike's sister was returned from Hanoi. All the contents were still in the package, but it had been opened and the other items had been added.
Added to the box was a crudely cut, hand sewn felt bootie with two "ms" cut out of felt on it (Michael's wifes name is Maria) inside the bootie were three hearts and two scraps of felt (The Estocins have three children). The Navy could not determine how this could have happened. Mike's family felt they were made by Mike and were heartened by this sign of well being.
In 1973, 591 American prisoners were released from North Vietnam. LCDR Estocin was not amoung them. Returned POW's had heard his name in several camps, and sources reported that he was still alive, still held prisoner. Hanoi denies any knowledge of Michael Estocin. He is amoung nearly 2500 Americans still missing from the Vietnam war.
Since the war ended, nearly 10,000 reports have been received relating to American's missing in Southeast Asia which have been convinced many officials that large numbers are still alive as captives. Estocin could be one of them.
Michael J. Estocin is the only Navy Pilot to received the Congressional Medal of Honor for a combat roll. He was awarded the CMH for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 20 and 26 April 1967. While the CMH was not normally given for a combination of missions, an excpetion was made for this very intense two day SHRIKE mission and according to those who flew with Estocin , the honor was well deserved.
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