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