Michael LAMARR Leroy

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Michael Lamarr Leroy (ASN: US-54355032), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Specialist Fourth Class Leroy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 31 May 1967, while serving as a Medical Aidman attached to Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during combat operations near the village of An Qui, Republic of Vietnam. When his company came into contact with a numerically superior, well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army force, one platoon immediately became pinned down and the others were engaged in an intense fire fight. During the initial volley of fire, several men were hit by the intense fire. Braving the hostile bullets, Specialist Leroy moved to all of the wounded men, treated their wounds and personally supervised their medical evacuation. While moving from man to man, he individually assaulted several enemy bunkers, killing the North Vietnamese gunners and capturing their weapons. Later, when he spotted a fallen comrade ahead of the rest of his platoon, Specialist Leroy braved the enemy automatic weapons fire to get to the man and move him to a position affording cover. When a squad leader was wounded directly in front of an enemy fortification, Specialist Leroy, with only one rifleman to cover his movement, moved to within five meters of the enemy position and rescued the fallen leader. While treating the man and carrying him to safety, Specialist Leroy was the prime target of the enemy gunners, however, he ignored the bullets striking all around him and continued his mission. Although the squad leader was twice more wounded before he could be brought to safety, his life was saved by Specialist Leroy’s courageous efforts. Specialist Leroy’s gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.