SILVER STAR

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
HEADQUARTERS. FLEET MARINE FORCE. PACIFIC
FPO. SAN FRANCISCO. 96602

            In the name of the President of the United States, the Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific takes pleasure in presenting a
gold star in lieu of the second SILVER STAR MEDAL to



FIRST LIEUTENANT MICHAEL DAVID CAREY

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE



for service as set forth in the following

                CITATION:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, Third Marine Division on 24 July 1966,, in connection with operations against the enemy. During the attack and subsequent defense of Hill 362, First Lieutenant CAREY repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire to inspire and direct the efforts of his platoon against a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. While the First and Second Platoons were bitterly engaged with the enemy, he courageously led the Third Platoon forward to prevent an encirclement of his company by the enemy. Moving his squads forward, First Lieutenant CAREY, with complete disregard for his own safety, personally assaulted the advancing enemy unit with hand grenades. 'His aggressive and determined actions were so unexpected that he thoroughly disorganized the enemy and enabled his men to-maneuver through the thick underbrush and launch an assault against the determined enemy. After the hill had been partially secured, he consolidated his men to form a strong defensive position. Simultaneously, he made-provisions to have the wounded evacuated to a secure area. Although his position was under continuous heavy enemy mortar and small arms fire, First Lieutenant CAREY fearlessly moved among his men, directing their fire and encouraging them to hold their positions. His inspiring leadership, despite a painful wound sustained during the fire fight, was instrumental in the success of  his unit in accomplishing its mission. By his exceptional fortitude in the face of intense enemy fire, selfless and heroic actions, keen professional skill and unfaltering dedication to duty, First Lieutenant CAREY upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."



FOR THE PRESIDENT,



V. H. KRULAK
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING


Second Award

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
HEADQUARTERS. FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
FPO, SAN FRANCISCO, 96602



        In the name of the President of the United States, the Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to



FIRST LIEUTENANT MICHAEL DAVID CAREY

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE

for service as set forth in the following

            CITATION:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, Third Marine Division on 22 July 1966, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During Operation Hastings, First Lieutenant CAREY's platoon was acting as the point element for his company as it moved down a stream bed in the Quan Cam Lo District of Quang Tri Province. Suddenly, the first squad was taken under intense automatic weapons fire by a North Vietnamese ambush force. In the initial burst of fire, four Marines were killed and the remainder of the squad was pinned down by hand grenades and rifle fire. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, First Lieutenant CAREY unhesitatingly advanced to the front of his platoon and killed two enemy soldiers. Simultaneously, he skillfully directed.the remaining squads into position in order to gain fire superiority. Observing two of his men, seriously wounded and exposed to enemy fire, he courageously dashed through the intense fire and moved the Marines to safety. After the casualties were evacuated, First Lieutenant CAREY returned to the ambush site and effectively maneuvered the remainder of the platoon in an attack on the enemy positions which routed the enemy forces. His selfless disregard for his own safety and valiant leadership preserved the integrity of his unit and undoubtedly saved the lives of his men. By his courage and exceptional fortitude in the face of enemy fire, keen professional ability and unfaltering dedication to duty at great personal risk, First Lieutenant CAREY upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

FOR THE PRESIDENT,

V. H. KRULAK
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING