The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Michael Patrick Callahan (ASN: 51984951), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 June 1969. Specialist Callahan distinguished himself while serving as a team leader in Company B, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, during the conduct of a search and clear operation near Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam. On the cited date, the lead element of Company B was attempting to capture a North Vietnamese Army soldier who gave the pretense of surrender. While capturing the insurgent, the company came under heavy enemy machine gun fire from a nearby position. Realizing that the hostile emplacement must be silenced, Specialist Callahan began to place suppressive fire on the insurgents. Encouraging his men to do likewise, he remained in the open while attempting to gain fire superiority as another element of the company was maneuvering to outflank the insurgents. With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Callahan continued to divert the enemy fire, thus providing cover for the main maneuvering element. It was during this courageous act that he was mortally wounded by hostile machine gun fire. His outstanding leadership and courage were a major factor in saving many of his men from injury or possible death. Specialist Callahan’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.