The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Michael Terry Peterson (ASN: WO-3164042), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Troop B, 7th Armored Cavalry Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade, on 2 November 1969, in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Peterson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of a helicopter gunship recovering a team of two light observation helicopters on a reconnaissance mission. The team came under intense fire and crashed in a clearing surrounded by an enemy battalion. Warrant Officer Peterson positioned his aircraft between the enemy and his downed comrades, exchanging fire with the enemy. Finally the enemy downed his aircraft, critically wounding his co-pilot. Although wounded himself, he exited the totally demolished helicopter and pulled his co-pilot from the wreckage. As he carried his comrade to safety, he spotted an aviator exiting one of the other downed aircraft with his clothing and protective vest in flames. Warrant Officer Peterson carried his co-pilot and the aviator across fifty meters of open terrain while under heavy machine gun and automatic weapons fire, then administered first aid to the two wounded men. Three hours later, when Warrant Officer Peterson attempted to get medical aid for his comrades, he was wounded by enemy fire. His extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were exemplary. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.