DECORATED MANY TIMES BY U.S. MILITARY FORCE

Leinster Leader 25 September 1971

Decorated many times by U.S. military force

One of the most highly decorated members of the American Forces is native of South Kildare, and in recognition of his outstanding service the American Forces did him the honour of selecting him as one of the two Grand Marshalls for the 1971 American Memorial Day parade. He is Sergeant Michael Flood (27), son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Flood, Kilmeade. Having emigrated to the U.S.A. in 1964, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1968. He served in Vietnam for 13 months and was wounded twice. One of his decorations is the highest American award to members of her fighting forces, the Purple Heart. Other decorations include the Navy achievement Medal with Combat Leaf; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Combat Action Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal, and National Defence Service Medal. In 1967 he married Miss Ann Lawlor, daughter of Mrs. Mary Lawlor, Wood Road, Narraghmore, and the late Mr. Edward Lawlor, at Kilmeade Church. They live in Long Island, New York. Visiting Michael and his wife at present are his sister Miss Annette flood, Kilmeade, and his wife’s sisters, Mrs. Mary McLoughlin, Boleybeg, Ballitore, and Miss Mona Lawlor.

Note: Michael Flood is Secretary of the New York Kildare Association. His story is told in ‘Vietnam. The Irish Experience,’ by James Durney.

A front page article from the Leinster Leader of 25 September 1971 on Kilmeade man Michael Flood’s U.S. Marine Corps service