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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Michael John Mann, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam, on 27 August 1969. First Lieutenant Mann distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Leader of the Reconnaissance Platoon, Company E, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. On that date, the Reconnaissance Platoon was on an ambush mission and had moved into its site for the night. As his men were making preparations for the ambush, First Lieutenant Mann spotted six hostile soldiers walking on the trail towards them. Reacting quickly, he waved his men off the trail into cover, but apparently not quickly enough to prevent the enemy soldiers from sensing movement. The North Vietnamese Regulars stopped approximately 25 meters from the kill zone and moved off the trail in a flanking movement toward the Reconnaissance Platoon. First Lieutenant Mann, observing this action, took the three men who were positioned closest to him and moved out to intercept the enemy force. He set his men up in a hasty ambush position. The North Vietnamese were a mere 15 meters from them when he led the attack upon them with hand grenades and small arms fire. During the next several minutes, intense fighting ensued. In spite of being subjected to hostile fire. First Lieutenant Mann skillfully directed the fire of his men in such a manner that the surviving North Vietnamese Regulars were soon forced to break contact and flee. First Lieutenant Mann’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.