Michael J. Dugan

General, U.S. Air Force

Michael J. Dugan was born on 22 February 1937 in Albany, NY. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy in 1958 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.

His early operational assignments were in F-100s and A-1s. He flew A-1s during 1967, from Pleiku Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, and Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. He then planned and taught cadet military training courses and served as Cadet Squadron and Group Air Officer Commanding at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

From June 1973 to July 1977, Dugan was assigned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, DC, as an Action Officer and Branch Chief in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, and then as Executive to the Vice Chief of Staff. He next served at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, as Vice Commander and, later, Commander of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing. He subsequently became Commander of the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing, England AFB, LA, and Commander of the 832nd Air Division, Luke AFB, AZ.

In May 1982, he moved to Langley AFB, VA, where he served successively as Tactical Air Command's Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Inspector General and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. He was assigned to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Operations at Air Force Headquarters as Director of Operations in June 1986, and as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff in January 1987. He became the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff, Programs and Resources in July 1987. He then became Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, in March 1988. He assumed his command of U.S. Air Forces in Europe in April 1989.

Dugan was promoted to the four-star rank of General on 1 May 1989 and assumed duties as Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe (CINCUSAFE) and Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (COMAAFCE).

He became Air Force Chief of Staff in July 1990.

In September 1990, then-Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney dismissed Dugan from his position after service of only 79 days for "poor judgment at a sensitive time." Dugan had made remarks on secret and diplomatically sensitive issues relating to the Invasion of Kuwait and the U.S.' planned response.

General Dugan retired from the Air Force on 31 December 1990. During his service, he became a Command Pilot with over 4,500 flying hours and 300 combat missions.

Medals and Awards

Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

Silver Star Medal

Legion of Merit (3 Awards)

Distinguished Flying Cross

Purple Heart

Air Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal (3 Awards)

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm

During his time in the Air Force, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Colorado in 1972. He completed Squadron Officer School in 1965, Air Command and Staff College in 1970 and the Air War College in 1973.

In Retirement

General Dugan went on to serve as the President of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and is now President-Emeritus of that organization.