The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Michael P. Hester (MCSN: 2434020), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 February 1969, Lance Corporal Hester’s fire team was acting as the point element while Company A maneuvered against an estimated North Vietnamese Army battalion occupying a well-fortified bunker complex in the A Shau Valley. As the Marines approached the hostile emplacements, they came under a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket propelled grenade fire which injured a member of the fire team. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Hester unhesitatingly entered the enemy killing zone to assist his companion, but found him to be mortally wounded. Alertly observing the source of enemy fire which had killed his comrade, he shouted to his team to provide covering fire as he boldly moved forward to a vantage point and hurled grenades through the aperture of the bunker, resulting in several North Vietnamese Army soldiers killed and the seizure of an automatic weapon. Seemingly oblivious to the rounds impacting about him, Lance Corporal Hester, determined to silence the vicious fire, again dauntlessly moved forward but was seriously injured before he could complete his mission. Although unable to continue his combat efforts, he steadfastly remained alert and continued to direct the fire of his men until he was medically evacuated. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Hester upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.