Michael D. Geragosian, Captain, USAF (Fallen)
November 21, 1968 – December 10, 1999

Capt. Michael D. Geragosian, who was killed in a crash during a landing attempt at an air base in Kuwait in December, was posthumously awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal April 14 during ceremonies at Nellis Air Force Base.

His wife, Dana, accepted the award in his name.

Geragosian was a member of the 66th Rescue Squadron at Nellis and was assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis before that.

“We are a much better prepared Air Force because of him,” Brig. Gen. David Moody, commander of the 57th Wing, told more than 200 friends, family and Nellis airmen who attended the ceremony.

Two other airmen were killed and 17 injured in the Dec. 10 accident when the C-130 transport aircraft transporting them was damaged while attempting to land.

The impact was so severe that the main landing gear tore away from the aircraft, leaving holes in the cargo and passenger area where the airmen were seated.

Published in the Las Vegas Review Journal on April 24, 2000.