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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Michael Patrick Halpin (ASN: RA-11757902), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Halpin distinguished himself by heroic actions on 19 January 1968, while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. Private Halpin was on a road clearing operation when the armored column began receiving intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and RPG-2 rocket fire. Private Halpin was a member of a reactionary force of three armored personnel carriers and eight men that were deployed against the right flank of the enemy positions. After making a quick evaluation of the situation he and two other individuals dismounted their armored personnel carrier and maneuvered toward the enemy positions. As the three individuals maneuvered through the bullet riddled enemy kill zone they pinned down the Viet Cong force with their highly accurate fire. As they continued to close on the enemy emplacements Private Halpin fired on and killed one of the insurgents. As the fire fight continued the men moved right into the enemy position, routing or killing all of the Viet Cong. While in pursuit of the remaining insurgents Private Halpin was mortally wounded by intense enemy automatic weapons fire. Due to Private Halpin’s valorous actions the mission was successfully completed and the enemy force defeated. Private Halpin’s personal bravery and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.