Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Sp4 Michael, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving with Company C. Sp4
Michael was part of a platoon which was moving through an area of suspected enemy
activity. While the rest of the platoon stopped to provide security, the squad to which Sp4
Michael was assigned moved forward to investigate signs of recent enemy activity. After
moving approximately 125 meters, the squad encountered a single Viet Cong soldier.
When he was fired upon by the squad's machine gunner, other Viet Cong opened fire with
automatic weapons from a well-concealed bunker to the squad's right front. The volume of
enemy fire was so withering as to pin down the entire squad and halt all forward
movement. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sp4 Michael exposed himself to throw 2
grenades, but failed to eliminate the enemy position. From his position on the left flank,
Sp4. Michael maneuvered forward with 2 more grenades until he was within 20 meters of
the enemy bunkers, when he again exposed himself to throw 2 grenades, which failed to
detonate. Undaunted, Sp4 Michael made his way back to the friendly positions to obtain
more grenades. With 2 grenades in hand, he again started his perilous move towards the
enemy bunker, which by this time was under intense artillery fire from friendly positions.
As he neared the bunker, an enemy soldier attacked him from a concealed position. Sp4
Michael killed him with his rifle and, in spite of the enemy fire and the exploding artillery
rounds, was successful in destroying the enemy positions. Sp4 Michael took up pursuit of
the remnants of the retreating enemy. When his comrades reached Sp4 Michael, he had
been mortally wounded. His inspiring display of determination and courage saved the
lives of many of his comrades and successfully eliminated a destructive enemy force. Sp4
Michael's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the U.S. Army
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Sp4 Michael, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving with Company C. Sp4
Michael was part of a platoon which was moving through an area of suspected enemy
activity. While the rest of the platoon stopped to provide security, the squad to which Sp4
Michael was assigned moved forward to investigate signs of recent enemy activity. After
moving approximately 125 meters, the squad encountered a single Viet Cong soldier.
When he was fired upon by the squad's machine gunner, other Viet Cong opened fire with
automatic weapons from a well-concealed bunker to the squad's right front. The volume of
enemy fire was so withering as to pin down the entire squad and halt all forward
movement. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sp4 Michael exposed himself to throw 2
grenades, but failed to eliminate the enemy position. From his position on the left flank,
Sp4. Michael maneuvered forward with 2 more grenades until he was within 20 meters of
the enemy bunkers, when he again exposed himself to throw 2 grenades, which failed to
detonate. Undaunted, Sp4 Michael made his way back to the friendly positions to obtain
more grenades. With 2 grenades in hand, he again started his perilous move towards the
enemy bunker, which by this time was under intense artillery fire from friendly positions.
As he neared the bunker, an enemy soldier attacked him from a concealed position. Sp4
Michael killed him with his rifle and, in spite of the enemy fire and the exploding artillery
rounds, was successful in destroying the enemy positions. Sp4 Michael took up pursuit of
the remnants of the retreating enemy. When his comrades reached Sp4 Michael, he had
been mortally wounded. His inspiring display of determination and courage saved the
lives of many of his comrades and successfully eliminated a destructive enemy force. Sp4
Michael's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the U.S. Army
