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 Staff Sergeant Michael D. Mullins, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company A, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, in action on 14 September 2008, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. During battle damage assessment, Staff Sergeant Mullins’ platoon was ambushed with small arms fire and RPG fire. When six of his fellow Soldiers were wounded, he ran over 150 meters through the kill zone to attract enemy fire away from his injured teammates. He then engaged the closing enemy forces attempting to overrun his platoon’s position, halting the advance and then causing the enemy to withdraw from the ambush. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.