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 Dennis Shannahan (ASN: US-54995771), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Shannahan distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 22 April 1970 while serving as an Armored Personnel Carrier Commander with Troop F, 17th Cavalry Regiment, Americal Division. On that date, the troop was conducting routine combat operations west of Tam Ky when it suddenly came under an intense barrage of enemy fire. In the initial burst of hostile rounds, Specialist Shannahan’s vehicle was hit twice by rocket-propelled grenades, wounding him and his entire crew. Although he had managed to withdraw from the burning vehicle with his comrades, he saw his platoon leader still in an exposed position near the personnel carrier. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he maneuvered 75 meters through a hail of enemy fire to reach his fellow soldiers. Despite the seriousness of his own injuries, he unhesitatingly carried the wounded man to a secure position while still exposed to the hostile rounds. Ignoring the danger involved, he returned to the area of contact in another vehicle and supervised the evacuation of the wounded personnel. Only after his comrades had been successfully extracted and the enemy assault had been contained did he allow himself to be treated. Through his timely and courageous actions, he contributed greatly to the overall success of the mission and served as an inspiration to his entire unit. Specialist Fourth Class Shannahan’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.