Michael LEWIS Dehart

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Michael Lewis Dehart (US-51800827), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Dehart distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 14 May 1969, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company E, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during a reconnaissance mission in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became engaged with a large enemy force, Staff Sergeant Dehart immediately moved to a forward position in order to direct the fire of his men. When it became necessary to withdraw, Staff Sergeant Dehart remained in the forward position. While completely exposed to the hostile fire, he covered his men as they withdrew. Early the next morning Staff Sergeant Dehart led his men into the contact area again and because of Staff Sergeant Dehart’s courageous effort on the previous evening, little resistance was given. Staff Sergeant Dehart’s gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 8655 (July 14, 1969)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Michael Lewis Dehart (US-51800827), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Dehart distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 10 April 1969, while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company E, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during a reconnaissance mission in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. While moving through dense vegetation, Staff Sergeant Dehart’s unit came in contact with a large enemy force. During the initial attack Staff Sergeant Dehart moved forward of his now pinned down element to a vantage point where he could effectively engage the enemy positions. From his now precarious position, Staff Sergeant Dehart placed a heavy volume of machine-gun fire on the hostile emplacements enabling the remainder of his unit to withdraw and evacuate its casualties. Through Staff Sergeant Dehart’s heroic actions his unit successfully broke contact and was extracted with minimum casualties. Staff Sergeant Dehart’s gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 8655 (July 14, 1969)