Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: A Silver State hero

Friday, Jan. 19, 2001 | 9:10 a.m.

Mike O'Callaghan is the Las Vegas Sun executive editor.

---

HE LOOKED ESPECIALLY SHARP in his blue uniform with pilot's wings on his chest. It was 1962 and my friend Mike Hyde was assigned to Nellis Air Force Base for a few months. Not a bad deal for a man who had graduated from Boulder City High School before entering the Air Force Academy and becoming the first Nevadan to graduate from that institution.

My friend, Lt. Michael Lewis Hyde, had just dropped by my office for a visit. We always talked about sports and life in the military. He was a breath of fresh air and I was proud to have him as a friend.

Almost 30 years would pass before I would be called upon by the late Peggy Hyde Phillips, Mike's mom, to help her receive the identification material brought back from Vietnam. The notice of his death had arrived in December 1966. He died a hero flying his F-100 D in support of ground troops.

This wasn't the first time that Mike had helped the men on the ground. Earlier he had received the Distinguished Flying Cross:

"Captain Michael L. Hyde distinguished himself by heroism while participating in serial flight as a F-100 Pilot near Saigon, Republic of Vietnam on 28 August 1966. On that date, Captain Hyde significantly contributed to the defeat of a hostile force that had ambushed an Army of the Republic of Vietnam Company. Captain Hyde made numerous ordnance deliveries with pinpoint accuracy, under the extremely adverse conditions of a low ceiling, visibility less than two miles in heavy rain, and the constant threat of hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire. Due largely to his efforts the Viet Cong attack was broken off and the friendly force was saved from possible annihilation. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hyde reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

Mike also received the Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Silver Star. I'm sure that many other Americans came home because of Mike's heroism. The citation with his Silver Star tells us:

"Captain Michael L. Hyde distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a F-100 Pilot near Tay Ninh, Republic of Vietnam on 8 November 1966. On that date, Captain Hyde provided close air support to elements of the 25th Infantry Division that were surrounded by a large Viet Cong force and in imminent danger of being overrun. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Hyde made a total of fifteen low level ordnance deliveries through intense automatic weapons and small arms fire and with such accuracy and effectiveness that the American ground forces were able to hold their positions. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Hyde has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

Mike Hyde was a very special man who makes all Americans proud. It would be most appropriate if the 2001 Nevada Legislature and Gov. Kenny Guinn would put the name of Capt. Michael Lewis Hyde on the new Nevada Veterans Nursing Home, which is in his home town.