Michael D. Healy
Encyclopedia
Major General Michael D. Healy (born June 13, 1926, in Chicago
) spent 35 years serving in the military, completing tours in Korea and Vietnam. Although he is now retired, he has been granted permission to wear the symbolic Green Beret to honor his service to the Special Forces
. Healy began his career with parachute training in Japan, then attended a number of Army Colleges, including Ranger School
, where he discovered his affinity for foreign intelligence. He entered the Korean War
as a Company Commander with the Airborne Rangers
, a newly formed unit of the Army. Most of his career was spent in Vietnam
, where he served five and a half tours, leading the 5th Special Forces group for almost 20 months, and earning him his first Distinguished Service Medal
. For his dedication and service to the Army, General Healy has received many awards and the nickname “Iron Mike.”
at Ft. Sheridan, IL. One year later, he graduated from Infantry OCS at Ft. Benning
, GA. Years later, he would be inducted into the OCS Hall of Fame
. Private Healy’s first assignment, with the 1st Cavalry Division and the Army of Occupation in Japan, involved investigation of Russian-backed Communists in post-war Japan . While in Japan, Healy completed intense parachute training, which would later earn him a master parachutist badge. It was there, too, that he met his wife, Jacklyn, the daughter of a US prosecutor in the Japan War Trials. Healy served many troop assignments in Japan until 1946, when he returned to the United States and married Jackie. Healy then attended the Army Airborne School
, advanced physical training for paratroopers, and Ranger School, a counter intelligence school.
. His company, the 3rd Platoon, was assigned to execute a parachute assault on the village. Because he was an extra officer on the mission, the senior officers loaded him down with extra map cases and spools of wire. The youthful Healy parachuted onto the roof of a hut and into a fire-fight of machine guns. Nine of Healy’s fellow soldiers were killed in the first three minutes of the attack. The 3rd Platoon was ordered to hold down the enemy at the base of a hill, while a regimental brigade attacked from above. When the platoon commander refused to proceed, Healy took charge. With his platoon under heavy fire, Healy and four others charged up the hill, managing to weave their way through the trenches. He and the four volunteers held the hill until the regiment finally arrived. For his actions in Munsan-Ni, Healy was awarded a Bronze Star Medal
. It was his bravery there that established his nickname—Iron Mike. Upon his return to the United States, Healy attended the Infantry Officers Career Course and was subsequently assigned to the Special Warfare Center, Ft. Bragg, NC. For the next few years, he attended several more Army schools, including the US Marine Corps School, the USMC
Officers Advanced School, Quantico, VA, and finally the Command and General Staff College in 1960 where Healy began to earn his reputation as a foreign intelligence specialist, and soon the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence recruited him as Chief, Special Warfare Operations and Foreign Intelligence Branch.
and Iron Curtain
countries, familiarizing himself with the local people and their combat abilities. In July, 1963, Healy was chosen for the sensitive position of Operations Officer and Senior Adviser to the Vietnamese Special Forces. He was entering Vietnam at a time when relatively few Americans were there. As Senior Adviser, Healy handpicked South East Asian mercenaries whom he trained and molded into mobile guerrilla battalions. These indigenous mercenaries were hired to work for the American military. The South Vietnamese troops could not always respond promptly enough to save American troops who were in danger, so Healy relied heavily on his mobile units, which were called “Mike Forces,” a term that is now part of the Army lexicon.
, a US Commander. Abrams was very impressed by Healy’s leadership and success in the war and needed Healy’s help. Healy agreed to General Abrams’ request and once again returned to Vietnam. He had been recalled to command the 5th Special Forces Group
, and also to mend the reputation of the Green Berets, after the widely publicized murder of a double agent. Healy commanded the 5th Special Forces group for nearly twenty months before returning to the United States in March, 1971. For his prompt return and lengthy service, Healy was honored with the Distinguished Service Medal, his first of two. Healy was next assigned as Chief of the Pacific Division and Deputy Director of Operations Directorate. He was then promoted to Brigadier General
and assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg.
. He remained in command of the Institute until October 1975, when he was sent on his last overseas assignment. General Healy was stationed in Ankara, Turkey, as the Chief of Staff of Combined Military Planning. For two years he oversaw the joint military maneuvers around oil fields in the Mideast for the now defunct Central Treaty Organization
, CENTO. In 1977, Gen. Healy returned to the United States to command the Army Readiness Region V at Ft. Sheridan, where, 35 years before, he had enlisted as a private. This was General Healy's last assignment. He retired from active duty on February 28, 1981, after 35 years, seven months and 29 days of dedicated military service.
(three awards), Silver Star
(two awards), Legion of Merit
(three awards), Distinguished Flying Cross
, Bronze Star with "V" (Valor) Device (six awards), Air Medal
with "V" Device (four awards), Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal with "V" Device, Purple Heart Medal (two awards), twelve Decorations of Republic of Vietnam. Gen. Healy is also one of the few American soldiers to earn honors from other countries' armed forces. He received Parachute badges from Republic of Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Korea, Iran and Pakistan, as well as a Master Parachutist Badge
from the U.S. Army.
In his book, "Viet Journal," the late author James Jones wrote of Healy, "There was always one thing about Healy. You knew his aggressive physical courage was monumental and that his nerves were steel."
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
) spent 35 years serving in the military, completing tours in Korea and Vietnam. Although he is now retired, he has been granted permission to wear the symbolic Green Beret to honor his service to the Special Forces
Special forces
Special forces, or special operations forces are terms used to describe elite military tactical teams trained to perform high-risk dangerous missions that conventional units cannot perform...
. Healy began his career with parachute training in Japan, then attended a number of Army Colleges, including Ranger School
Ranger School
The United States Army Ranger School is an intense 61-day combat leadership course oriented towards small-unit tactics. It has been called the "toughest combat course in the world" and "is the most physically and mentally demanding leadership school the Army has to offer". The course is conducted...
, where he discovered his affinity for foreign intelligence. He entered the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
as a Company Commander with the Airborne Rangers
United States Army Rangers
United States Army Rangers are elite members of the United States Army. Rangers have served in recognized U.S. Army Ranger units or have graduated from the U.S. Army's Ranger School...
, a newly formed unit of the Army. Most of his career was spent in Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
, where he served five and a half tours, leading the 5th Special Forces group for almost 20 months, and earning him his first Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Medal (United States)
The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
. For his dedication and service to the Army, General Healy has received many awards and the nickname “Iron Mike.”
Early life and career
Michael D. Healy was born on June 13, 1926, in Chicago, IL., the first of four sons. His father, Daniel Healy, served as the Chief of Police of Chicago. In 1945, when he was 19 years old, Healy enlisted in the United States ArmyUnited States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
at Ft. Sheridan, IL. One year later, he graduated from Infantry OCS at Ft. Benning
Fort Benning
Fort Benning is a United States Army post located southeast of the city of Columbus in Muscogee and Chattahoochee counties in Georgia and Russell County, Alabama...
, GA. Years later, he would be inducted into the OCS Hall of Fame
Officer Candidate School (U.S. Army)
The United States Army's Officer Candidate School , located at Fort Benning, Georgia, provides training to become a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army...
. Private Healy’s first assignment, with the 1st Cavalry Division and the Army of Occupation in Japan, involved investigation of Russian-backed Communists in post-war Japan . While in Japan, Healy completed intense parachute training, which would later earn him a master parachutist badge. It was there, too, that he met his wife, Jacklyn, the daughter of a US prosecutor in the Japan War Trials. Healy served many troop assignments in Japan until 1946, when he returned to the United States and married Jackie. Healy then attended the Army Airborne School
United States Army Airborne School
The United States Army Airborne School — widely known as Jump School — conducts the basic paratrooper training for the United States armed forces. It is operated by the 1st Battalion , 507th Infantry, United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia...
, advanced physical training for paratroopers, and Ranger School, a counter intelligence school.
Korea
In 1951, then-Lieutenant Healy entered the Korean war as a company commander with the 4th Airborne Ranger Company. His leadership and courage were displayed on his first day of combat in March 1951, in Munsan-Ni, a tiny village in the South - KoreaSouth Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
. His company, the 3rd Platoon, was assigned to execute a parachute assault on the village. Because he was an extra officer on the mission, the senior officers loaded him down with extra map cases and spools of wire. The youthful Healy parachuted onto the roof of a hut and into a fire-fight of machine guns. Nine of Healy’s fellow soldiers were killed in the first three minutes of the attack. The 3rd Platoon was ordered to hold down the enemy at the base of a hill, while a regimental brigade attacked from above. When the platoon commander refused to proceed, Healy took charge. With his platoon under heavy fire, Healy and four others charged up the hill, managing to weave their way through the trenches. He and the four volunteers held the hill until the regiment finally arrived. For his actions in Munsan-Ni, Healy was awarded a Bronze Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
. It was his bravery there that established his nickname—Iron Mike. Upon his return to the United States, Healy attended the Infantry Officers Career Course and was subsequently assigned to the Special Warfare Center, Ft. Bragg, NC. For the next few years, he attended several more Army schools, including the US Marine Corps School, the USMC
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
Officers Advanced School, Quantico, VA, and finally the Command and General Staff College in 1960 where Healy began to earn his reputation as a foreign intelligence specialist, and soon the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence recruited him as Chief, Special Warfare Operations and Foreign Intelligence Branch.
First tour
After his time in Korea, Healy was promoted to Colonel. He worked with the Special Forces in Third WorldThird World
The term Third World arose during the Cold War to define countries that remained non-aligned with either capitalism and NATO , or communism and the Soviet Union...
and Iron Curtain
Iron Curtain
The concept of the Iron Curtain symbolized the ideological fighting and physical boundary dividing Europe into two separate areas from the end of World War II in 1945 until the end of the Cold War in 1989...
countries, familiarizing himself with the local people and their combat abilities. In July, 1963, Healy was chosen for the sensitive position of Operations Officer and Senior Adviser to the Vietnamese Special Forces. He was entering Vietnam at a time when relatively few Americans were there. As Senior Adviser, Healy handpicked South East Asian mercenaries whom he trained and molded into mobile guerrilla battalions. These indigenous mercenaries were hired to work for the American military. The South Vietnamese troops could not always respond promptly enough to save American troops who were in danger, so Healy relied heavily on his mobile units, which were called “Mike Forces,” a term that is now part of the Army lexicon.
Second tour
From January to May 1964, Healy served as Liaison Officer to the South Vietnamese Special Forces. In June of that year he assumed the role of Assistant Personnel Officer HQ 5SFG(A). In December 1964 Healy became the Operations and Training Officer HQ 5SFG(A). Meanwhile, in August, 1964, Healy assumed command of the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment (Geronimo), 101st Airborne Division. He remained in command of the 1/501st for almost two years, before he was honored by being selected for the Army War College,. But Healy felt a greater need to lead his Geronimo Battalion back to battle in Vietnam, so he returned in June, 1966 for his second tour of duty. After nearly thirty months of consecutive battalion command, Healy decided to accept the offer from the Army War College. In 1967, after completing his courses, he was selected to serve as the Executive Officer and Special Assistant to the Deputy US Ambassador during the sensitive formation and initial operation of the Office of Civil Operations in Vietnam.Third tour
Healy returned to Vietnam in March, 1969, as Commander of Special Troops and Assistant Chief of Staff, G1, XXIV Corps. He commanded the Special Forces until August, when he took charge of the 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta.Fourth tour
Three weeks after returning to Hawaii with his brigade, Healy received a phone call from Vietnam. It was General Creighton AbramsCreighton Abrams
Creighton Williams Abrams Jr. was a general in the United States Army who commanded military operations in the Vietnam War from 1968–72 which saw U.S. troop strength in Vietnam fall from a peak of 543,000 to 49,000. He served as Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1972 until shortly...
, a US Commander. Abrams was very impressed by Healy’s leadership and success in the war and needed Healy’s help. Healy agreed to General Abrams’ request and once again returned to Vietnam. He had been recalled to command the 5th Special Forces Group
5th Special Forces Group (United States)
The 5th Special Forces Group is a United States Army Special Forces unit that was activated on 21 September 1961 during the Cold War.-Unit history:...
, and also to mend the reputation of the Green Berets, after the widely publicized murder of a double agent. Healy commanded the 5th Special Forces group for nearly twenty months before returning to the United States in March, 1971. For his prompt return and lengthy service, Healy was honored with the Distinguished Service Medal, his first of two. Healy was next assigned as Chief of the Pacific Division and Deputy Director of Operations Directorate. He was then promoted to Brigadier General
Brigadier General
Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000...
and assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg.
Fifth Tour
Brigadier General Healy spent the next eight months at Ft. Bragg, NC, as the Assistant Division Commander, 82nd Airborne Division. In 1972, for the second time, General Abrams requested his help. The war was drawing to an end, and Abrams needed the most qualified men leading the American troops. So in June, Brig. Gen. Healy said goodbye to his wife and six sons and returned to Vietnam for his last active tour of duty. He was the Commanding General, 2nd Regional Assistance Command, Military Region Two. He remained in command until all US combat forces were ordered out of Vietnam. In 1963, Healy had been one of the first Americans to enter Vietnam. Ten years later he was still there, commanding a major portion of the US fighting forces at the end of US involvement.Retirement
After Vietnam, Col. Healy took command of the John F. Kennedy Institute for Special Warfare, Ft. Bragg, and was promoted to Major GeneralMajor General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
. He remained in command of the Institute until October 1975, when he was sent on his last overseas assignment. General Healy was stationed in Ankara, Turkey, as the Chief of Staff of Combined Military Planning. For two years he oversaw the joint military maneuvers around oil fields in the Mideast for the now defunct Central Treaty Organization
Central Treaty Organization
The Central Treaty Organization was formed in 1955 by Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. It was dissolved in 1979.U.S...
, CENTO. In 1977, Gen. Healy returned to the United States to command the Army Readiness Region V at Ft. Sheridan, where, 35 years before, he had enlisted as a private. This was General Healy's last assignment. He retired from active duty on February 28, 1981, after 35 years, seven months and 29 days of dedicated military service.
Honors and awards
Throughout his 35-year military career, Michael Healy was honored with many medals and awards to commemorate his hard work and dedication to the American Military. His decorations include Distinguished Service MedalDistinguished Service Medal (United States)
The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
(three awards), Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
(two awards), Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
(three awards), Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
, Bronze Star with "V" (Valor) Device (six awards), Air Medal
Air Medal
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
with "V" Device (four awards), Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal with "V" Device, Purple Heart Medal (two awards), twelve Decorations of Republic of Vietnam. Gen. Healy is also one of the few American soldiers to earn honors from other countries' armed forces. He received Parachute badges from Republic of Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Korea, Iran and Pakistan, as well as a Master Parachutist Badge
Parachutist Badge (United States)
The Parachutist Badge, also commonly referred to as "Jump Wings" or "Snow Cone", is a military badge of the United States Armed Forces awarded to members of the United States Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy...
from the U.S. Army.
Legacy
General Healy has been the inspiration for two novels and also a feature film.In his book, "Viet Journal," the late author James Jones wrote of Healy, "There was always one thing about Healy. You knew his aggressive physical courage was monumental and that his nerves were steel."