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 Staff Sergeant Michael D. LaShells (ASN: RA-19707918), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Staff Sergeant LaShells distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the vicinity of Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). At approximately 0900 hours under a heavy overcast and intermittent rain fall, Company B’s lead platoon came under heavy small arms fire while making an assault on a North Vietnamese Army base camp. Sergeant LaShells, serving as platoon leader of the weapons platoon, moved his platoon to secure the company’s left flank. After moving approximately fifty meters, the company once again came under a heavy volume of enemy fire. Sergeant LaShells moved his platoon in a position where the 90-mm. recoilless rifle could cover the company’s front and the remainder of the platoon could provide flank security. With complete disregard for his own safety Sergeant LaShells exposed himself to the intense enemy fire, while moving laterally, to assure that his platoon was properly positioned. He then directed fire from the 90-mm. recoilless rifle towards two enemy positions and silenced their previous heavy volume of fire. After artillery and air strikes had been called in on the enemy’s position, the company came under intense enemy fire after attempting a second assault on the base camp. At this time, Sergeant LaShells exposed himself again to the intense enemy fire by rising from the kneeling position and personally fired two rounds point blank into the concealed enemy fire position, located only twenty meters to his front and once again, he silenced the enemy and enabled the company to maneuver in their defense. Due to his leadership and personal valor, three enemy positions, which were effectively causing friendly casualties and preventing the accomplishment of the company’s mission, were rendered impotent and enabled the company to overtake the base camp. Sergeant LaShells’ outstanding performance was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.