The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Michael J. Edwards (MCSN: 2337706), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company E, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 2 February 1968, the Cam Lo District Headquarters suddenly came under intense small arms, automatic weapons, mortar, recoilless rifle, and rocket fire supporting an aggressive ground attack by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. Reacting instantly, Private Edwards ran to a defensive position near the northwest corner of the compound and commenced delivering a heavy volume of fire upon the hostile soldiers. Informed that the enemy had breached the perimeter at the northeast corner of the compound, he fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept area and directed intense fire at the enemy, halting their advance. Ignoring the counter fire impacting around him, he remained in his dangerously exposed position, delivering effective fire against the adversary. Changing the machine gun barrel, he sustained severe burns on his hands and was forced to relinquish his weapon to another Marine. Despite his painful injuries, he directed his comrade in firing the weapon, and although wounded by fragments from an exploding mortar round, continued to move about the assault compound, obtaining ammunition for his gun. Aware that he had the only machine gun wrench, Private Edwards fearlessly maneuvered from one machine gun position to another carrying the wrench clenched between his teeth to the other positions, enabling the Marines to keep their weapons in operation. His heroic and timely actions were instrumental in enabling his unit to repulse the enemy assault and to account for numerous enemy soldiers killed or captured, and the seizure of more than 100 weapons. By his courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Private Edwards upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.