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 Page (ASN: RA-16640384), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Staff Sergeant Page distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions in the Republic of Vietnam on 19 November 1967, while serving as platoon sergeant in the 2d Platoon, Company D 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). On the above date, Company D was conducting a search and destroy operation in the vicinity of Dak To. Sergeant Page was serving as platoon sergeant in the lead platoon when contact was made with a North Vietnamese force of undetermined size. His platoon came under a murderous hail of rocket, mortar and sniper fire from the well entrenched enemy position and sustained many casualties from the initial burst of enemy fire. Sergeant Page immediately moved to the front of his platoon and reorganized it, in order to launch an assault upon the enemy. With great skill and courage, he crawled to within ten meters of an enemy position and destroyed it with hand grenades and a heavy volume of fire. During the initial assault, Sergeant Page was seen all over the battlefield, directing and encouraging his men, laying down heavy volumes of fire and rendering aid to the wounded. Upon receiving word to pull back, Sergeant Page moved forward with complete disregard for his own life and laid down a devastating cover fire which enabled his men to pull back and form a perimeter. When they were safely back, Sergeant Page left his position and returned to the perimeter, carrying a gravely wounded trooper with him. During the ensuring battle, Sergeant Page again exposed himself to fire many times in order to aid his fellow soldiers. Sergeant Page’s extraordinary leadership and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.