The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman Michael J. Kuklenski (NSN: B-727552), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action during combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division. Late on the night of 29 May 1969, Petty Officer Kuklenski’s platoon was occupying an ambush site along a trail in Quang Nam Province, 500 meters from the Company Command Post. Suddenly, an estimate North Vietnamese Army company utilizing rocket-propelled grenades, small arms, and automatic weapons launched a determined attack from three sides against the outnumbered Marines, seriously wounding Petty Officer Kuklenski in both legs. Ignoring his own painful injuries, he fearlessly crawled across the fire-swept terrain to reach wounded Marines and administer first aid. Undaunted by the hostile rounds impacting nearby, he assisted in moving the casualties to a covered position. As he treated the men, he collected their vitally needed ammunition and passed it along to those still fighting. During the fire fight, which lasted more than thirty minutes before a relief platoon arrived to reinforce the beleaguered Marines, Petty Officer Kuklenski, oblivious to the pain of his wounds, refused treatment and resolutely continued to provide medical care to the numerous other casualties. As the reinforcements arrived, he assisted in moving the wounded to the landing zone before he accepted medical aid for himself and was evacuated. His superior professionalism and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. Petty Officer Kuklenski’s courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.