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 Captain (Infantry) Michael Edward O’Neill, United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain O’Neill distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, engaged in a search and destroy operation in the vicinity of Ap Nha Mat, Republic of Vietnam. At approximately 1230 hours, Captain O’Neill made contact with four well-entrenched Viet Cong battalions and came under intensive mortar, .50 caliber machine gun, and automatic weapons fire. Captain O’Neill personally led his company in the attack against a superior Viet Cong force, constantly exposing himself to the deadly volume of hostile fire to effectively direct the return fires of his men. During the course of action, Captain O’Neill was seriously wounded in the head, arm, and leg by grenades and automatic weapons fire. Despite the severe pain, he refused to be evacuated, remained with his company, and encouraged his men to continue their attack which ultimately led to the defeat of an overwhelming Viet Cong force. Captain O’Neill’s unimpeachable valor in close combat against a superior hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.