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 McDonnell (ASN: 0-96056), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Task Force, 25th Infantry Division. On 23 October 1966, Captain McDonnell, Commander of a Task Force consisting of a Civilian Irregular Defense Group company and the Battalion Reconnaissance Platoon, made contact with an enemy force. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain McDonnell moved through intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire to the forward point of contact. From this position, he skillfully maneuvered his force while continually exposing himself to an intense volume of enemy fire. As a direct result of his inspirational leadership and resolute determination, the enemy force was routed from their covered positions and sustained heavy casualties. On 28 October 1966, a small patrol element of the Task Force made contact with a reinforced North Vietnamese squad. Radio contact between the patrol leader and Captain McDonnell was lost. Without hesitation, Captain McDonnell organized a relief force and led them cross country to the point of contact. At the scene of action, Captain McDonnell, once again completely disregarding his own safety, moved through the heavy enemy fire to the lead element of the patrol and, rallying his men, moved forward. The enemy was routed from their positions and sustained heavy casualties as they withdrew. Captain McDonnell’s magnificent leadership and outstanding display of initiative, together with his continual determination to accomplish his assigned combat missions, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.