The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Specialist Fourth Class Michael J. Morgan (ASN: US-56827903), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Morgan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 May 1968 as leader of an eleven-man observation team conducting a mission on Hill 1124. During the early morning hours, an enemy force of undetermined size initiated a ground assault on the squad’s position. Specialist Morgan alerted his men and began throwing grenades to repulse the attack. Despite his efforts, the enemy element breached the perimeter and employed a flamethrower against him and his troops. Reacting immediately, he disregarded a hail of enemy bullets directed at him, maneuvered to an advantageous position, and took the flamethrower crew under fire, killing two enemy soldiers and destroying their weapon. As he moved to rejoin his men, he was wounded by small arms fire. Ignoring his own wounds, he led his men to a fortified bunker and then adjusted supporting artillery fire on the enemy. The battle continued throughout the night and Specialist Morgan successfully directed countering measures against all fanatical enemy attempts to overrun his squad. His personal courage inspired his men to fight relentlessly until a relief force was able to reach them. Specialist Four Morgan’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.