The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Michael A. Dirr (MCSN: 2086576), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Reconnaissance Man with Company D, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 3 September 1969, Lance Corporal Dirr was a member of a six-man reconnaissance team which came under intense rifle and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force while occupying a night defensive position approximately one mile southeast of the Quang Tri Combat Base. During the ensuing fire fight, when the enemy attempted to block the advance of a reaction force which had been dispatched to aid the reconnaissance team, Lance Corporal Dirr disregarded his own safety as he boldly moved to a forward area dangerously exposed to hostile fire to guide the Marines to his team’s position. Realizing the reaction force was unable to follow him in the total darkness, he unhesitatingly marked his position with a strobe light and immediately drew the enemy’s concentrated firepower. Although his foot was severed when a grenade impacted near him, Lance Corporal Dirr remained calm, applied pressure to his profusely bleeding wound, and continued to shout directions to the reaction force until it reached the friendly position. His unflagging determination and remarkable fortitude inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the large hostile force. By his courage, bold fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lance Corporal Dirr upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.