The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Michael T. Mills (MCSN: 2215209), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Third Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 April 1967, during an assault on a well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force defending a hill near Khe Sanh, in Quang Tri Province, two squads from Company G became pinned down by intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from an enemy bunker on the left flank of the Marine unit. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Private First Class Mills unhesitatingly maneuvered through the enemy fire to a position near the bunker and threw a hand grenade inside, killing the enemy and enabling his unit to continue its assault. Upon reaching the top of the hill, Private First Class Mills observed an enemy machine gun emplacement located in a second bunker. Displaying an aggressive fighting spirit, he courageously attacked the bunker and destroyed it with a hand grenade. His heroic actions and bold initiative were instrumental in the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission and were an inspiration to all who observed him. By his aggressive fighting spirit, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Mills upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.