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 Specialist Fourth Class Michael Baldinger (ASN: RA-11442815), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry, I Field Force Vietnam, on 9 June 1966. Specialist Fourth Class Baldinger’s company had been surrounded by a North Vietnamese Army battalion and was in danger of being overrun. The company had suffered heavy casualties and many of the wounded were in extremely serious condition. Specialist Baldinger, the Medic, kept up a tireless struggle to save the lives of his comrades. When the water was exhausted and none was immediately available, Specialist Baldinger ran forward, undaunted by the withering fire that engulfed the battlefield, and secured two canteens from a dead Viet Cong. While he was returning with the water, a grenade exploded near him and threw him violently to the ground. With complete disregard for his own life, he jumped up and continued his mission. Specialist Baldinger’s gallant actions saved the lives of at least 25 men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.