Michael Buras was born on July 28, 1987, in Tifton, Georgia. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on April 11, 2006, and after completing basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, he was trained as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician at Eglin AFB, Florida, from July 2006 to June 2007. His first assignment was as an EOD technician with the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nevada, from June 2007 until he was killed in action in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on September 21, 2010. During this time SRA Buras deployed 3 times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He was buried at Andersonville National Cemetery in Andersonville, Georgia.

His 2nd Army Commendation Medal w/Valor Citation reads:

For exceptional valorous achievement during Operation Enduring Freedom on 10 August 2009. The outstanding professionalism, military bearing, and ceaseless efforts of Senior Airman Buras resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness and success of counter improvised explosive device operations. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, 755 Air Expeditionary Group Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, Operating Location Alpha, 741st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion, Combined Joint Task Force Paladin, and the United States Air Force.