The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

PFC JAMES MICHALSKI

United States Marine Corps

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

    " The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class James Michalski, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Team Leader with Company I, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 June 1969, Company I was conducting a search and destroy operation west of Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of hostile fire from three directions. Unhesitatingly taking the initiative, Private First Class Michalski initiated an aggressive assault upon the enemy and, as his team advanced toward the hostile emplacements to their immediate front, Private First Class Michalski observed two wounded Marines lying in positions dangerously exposed to the enemy fire. Completely disregarding his own safety, he boldly ran across the fire-swept terrain and pulled his companions into covered positions. Returning to his team, he shouted words of encouragement to his men and directed their devastating fire upon the determined hostile force. When his men had achieved fire superiority, Private First Class Michalski again skillfully maneuvered them toward the enemy lines, and during the ensuing fierce engagement, he was mortally wounded by small arms fire. By his courage, aggressive, fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Michalski contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country."