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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Michael Gramling Parr, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Parr distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 November 1968. On that date, after landing near a suspected Communist Base Camp, Company A came under an intense volume of Viet Cong fire sustaining several casualties. First Lieutenant Parr immediately organized a small force and led them forward to extract the wounded. As they were evacuating the wounded, the rescue element came under withering hostile fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, First Lieutenant Parr exposed himself to the deadly insurgents fire as he led an element against the aggressors. While he was leading his men forward, First Lieutenant Parr was mortally wounded. His valorous actions were responsible for the saving of several lives and the defeat of the hostile force. First Lieutenant Parr’s personal bravery, aggressiveness and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service