A Note from The Virtual Wall
The 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry, lost two men on 08 Apr 1967: SP4 Don L. Michael and
PFC Higinio O. Oviedo
of Raymondville, Texas.
Available government casualty files contain two dates of birth for SP4 Michael, both incorrect - 01 Jul 47 in the 1993 Casualty file and 30 Jun 1947 in the 1998 and 2003 Casualty files. SP4 Michael's sister, Mrs. Sharon Michael Goens, has confirmed that his birth date is 31 July 1947.
The President of the United States
in the name of the Congress of the United States
takes pride in presenting the
MEDAL OF HONOR
posthumously to
Don Leslie Michael
Specialist Four
Army of the United States
for service as set forth in the following
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.
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Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery,
Lexington, Alabama
Adapted from the photograph by Don Morfe
HomeOfHeroes.com
Reproduced by permission of Don Morfe
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