The Air Force Commendation Medal was awarded to Capt. Michael W.L. Crowl in February for meritorious service March 10, 2005, to March 15, 2009.
Crowl distinguished himself by meritorious service as Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Combat Crew Assistant Flight Commander, 742d Missile Squadron, 91st Operations Group, 91st Missile Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.During this period, Crowl demonstrated "superior technical proficiency and outstanding command ability by earning six Highly Qualified ratings on rigorous proficiency evaluations and propelling the 742d Missile Squadron to win the 91st Operations Group's Rough Rider Proficiency Trophy in 2006 and 2007.
"Additionally, he diligently tracked personnel and equipment as the Status of Resources and Training System program manager, creating seven flawless readiness reports for the squadron commander which directly contributed to the unit being named the 91st Operations Group's Missile Squadron of the Year for 2007.
"Finally, Capt. Crowl quickly isolated an equipment rack fire while maintaining command and control of 10 intercontinental ballistic missiles. His actions prevented further damage to the launch control center and led the 742d Missile Squadron to the 20th Air Force Weapons Safety Award for the third quarter, 2008."
Crowl was a 1999 Warsaw Community High School graduate and a 2004 Purdue University graduate.
The son of Lisa and Dan Hirsch, Mishawaka, and Jerry and Colleen Crowl, Leesburg, Michael is stationed in Hanscom Air Force Base, Bedford, Mass.
