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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Michael Jan Rockelman (ASN: 0-5714746), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 March 1968. Second Lieutenant Rockelman distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Leader in Company A, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Air Cavalry Division, in the vicinity of Song Be, Republic of Vietnam. The fourth platoon of Company A had encountered a numerically superior enemy force while conducting a reconnaissance in force mission. The platoon received heavy automatic and small arms fire on the southwestern edge of Phuoc Binh, a small town located south of the Song Be air strip. A platoon size reaction force led by Second Lieutenant Rockelman was deployed from Company A immediately to aid the fourth platoon. During its movement through Phuoc Binh, the reaction force received constant sniper fire, yet Second Lieutenant Rockelman remained calm and maneuvered his force courageously from house to house. Upon reaching the southwestern edge of town, his platoon was then engaged by heavy automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire. In the face of intense hostile fire, Second Lieutenant Rockelman deployed his troops to the right flank of the besieged fourth platoon. The enemy, an estimated reinforced rifle company, began to inflict casualties in both friendly elements. A vehicle with four fifty caliber machine guns mounted was brought to the scene whereupon Second Lieutenant Rockelman raced to its location exposing himself to heavy enemy fire, and directed devastating fire upon the stubborn enemy. Amidst a storm of bullets, he ran from squad to squad, initiating and directing fire and maneuver tactics among his men. When the platoon sergeant of the reaction force was seriously wounded, Second Lieutenant Rockelman unhesitatingly continued to encourage his men to push on with their assault. He then led the force which overran the well fortified positions of the enemy. During the ensuing fire hour battle, he continued to expose himself to enemy fire, while evacuating the wounded, skillfully maneuvering his men, and fighting gallantly. Second Lieutenant Rockelman’s extraordinary heroism 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.