1945-75 Australian Active Service Medal - Vietnam
- Name: Michael Frederick Feiss
- Unit: Qantas Pilot
- Naming Details: 1945-75 Australian Active Service Medal – clasp VIETNAM pantographed - M. F. FIESS
Additional Information
Record of Service:
Michael Feiss was born on the 11th of February 1933 in Sandringham, Victoria. In the early 1950’s he joined the RAAF and was allocated service number A37392. Although his service records have not been accessed through the NAA, the following information has been obtained through various online sources.
In September 1953 Michael was part of the 10 pilots course (there is a photo of him standing in front of an aeroplane with the rest of the pilots on his course). Following his training he was posted to 77 Fighter Squadron and served as a Sergeant Pilot with the Squadron during the Korean War from the 30th of September 1954 until the 12th of October 1954.
In 1960, now a Flying Officer, Michael was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air. Listed in the COA Gazette: 23rd of June 1960, page 2178, position 23.
In 1963, now a Flight Lieutenant, Michael was awarded the Air Force Cross. Listed in the COA Gazette: 27th of June 1963, page 2222, position 2.
Michael Piloted Sabre Aircraft with 77 Squadron during the Indonesian Confrontation and on the 12th of October 1964 was involved in a mid-air collision with F/O Ken Mitchell. (Fortunately, both were able to land without injury).
It is not known when Michael discharged from the RAAF, however he is listed on the DVA rolls as a Civilian QANTAS Pilot, who flew Australian troops to Vietnam.
He died on the 10th of May 1996.
As a Civilian QANTAS Pilot flying troops to Vietnam during the War, Michael qualified for the Australian Active Service Medal – Clasp Vietnam and the Vietnam Logistic Medal. The AASM listed is the medal that Michael qualified for as a Civilian Pilot (hence no service number), interestingly he would have qualified for the AASM – clasp Malaysia for his service with the RAAF during the Confrontation.
Please note there has been a spelling error on the AASM listed and his surname is incorrectly spelt FIESS instead of FEISS.
Notes:
1945-75 Australian Active Service Medal – clasp VIETNAM pantographed M. F. FIESS