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 Sergeant Michael Arnold Joseph (ASN: RA-19885773), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company C, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Joseph distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 May 1968 as a Special Forces Advisor to an element of Vietnamese soldiers that was acting as a security force for a re-supply convoy traveling between DaNang and Thuong Duc. The convoy came under a devastating ambush launched by elements of North Vietnamese infantry and artillery. During the initial moments of the attack, Sergeant Joseph was severely wounded, but he rallied his troops and led a counterattack on the enemy, killing three of the insurgents in the initial charge. He continued to fight tenaciously until he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. His aggressive acts allowed the convoy to set up a defense which prevented the enemy from overrunning it. Sergeant Joseph’s gallantry in action, at the cost of his life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.