The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Michael A. Clute (MCSN: 2454839), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Company G, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 February 1969, while engaged in a company-sized search and clear mission southeast of the Vandegrift Combat Base at Quang Tri Province, Private First Class Clute’s platoon came under intense fire from a hostile force well-entrenched in a camouflaged bunker complex and a Marine in a forward position was mortally wounded. After his squad’s attempt to envelop the enemy position was thwarted by the extremely heavy volume of hostile fire and several attempts to retrieve the fallen man resulted in injuries to other Marines, Private First Class Clute, with complete disregard for his own safety, fearlessly crawled across the fire-swept terrain to reach the casualty. Undaunted by the enemy rounds impacting near him, he boldly remained in this dangerously exposed position and began recovery efforts until the increased intensity of hostile fire rendered his position untenable, forcing him to return to his squad. Resolutely determined to complete his mission after the enemy fire had subsided, Private First Class Clute, again braving the hostile fire, crawled to the side of the fallen Marine and continued his recovery efforts until he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. By his courage, bold initiative and unswerving devotion to duty, Private First Class Clute inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.