CAPTAIN (THEN LIEUTENANTCOMMANDER) RONALD E. MCKEOWN for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy as a pilot of jet aircraft while serving with Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE embarked in USS MIDWAY (CVA-41). On 23 May 1972, in support of an air strike against the Haiphong petroleum products storage in North Vietnam, the Combat Air Patrol element, in which Lt. Commander McKeown participated as flight leader, was taken under attack by six enemy fighter aircraft. Demonstrating exceptional aeronautical skill, Lt. Commander McKeown engaged the attackers in extremely low altitude aerial combat, accounting for the confirmed downing of one enemy aircraft. Continuing his expert maneuvering while negating several gun attacks by the enemy, Lt. Commander McKeown pressed an attack on an enemy fighter closing behind his wingman, resulting in a second confirmed downing of an enemy fighter aircraft. His superb airmanship and courage reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

CPT. McKeown is a life member and resides in Southern California.