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SPC4 Don L.
Michael
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S.
Army, Company C, 4th Battalion, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne
Brigade
Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 8 April 1967
Entered service at: Montgomery, Alabama
Born: 31 July 1947, Florence, Alabama
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c Michael, U.S.
Army, distinguished himself while serving with Company C.
Sp4c 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
Sp4c. 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, Sp4c Michael exposed himself to
throw 2 grenades, but failed to eliminate the enemy
position. From his position on the left flank, Sp4c. 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, Sp4c 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. Sp4c.
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. Sp4c. Michael took up
pursuit of the remnants of the retreating enemy. When his
comrades reached Sp4c 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. Sp4c. 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.
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