Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Hospitalman

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman Michael R. Emanuel (NSN: B-137725), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 October 1969, while Company K was moving down a narrow valley during a search and destroy operation in Que Son District of Quang Nam Province, all members of the machine gun team, comprising the point element, were seriously wounded by a heavy volume of automatic weapons and sniper fire from North Vietnamese Army soldiers occupying well-concealed positions in the dense vegetation. Unhesitatingly leaving his relatively secure rear position, Petty Officer Emanuel fearlessly rushed across the hazardous terrain and, shielding one of the casualties with his own body, rendered emergency first aid. Then, with seemingly complete disregard for the intense hostile fire directed at him, he commenced moving the wounded man toward a covered location, still shielding him from further harm by placing himself between the enemy and the wounded Marine. After reaching a place of safety where he prepared his patient for evacuation, Petty Officer Emanuel once again valiantly braved the hostile fusillade as he rushed to the aid of another wounded Marine. Although hostile rounds impacted around him, he remained in the dangerously exposed area, finished his medical treatment, and, enlisting the aid of another Marine, carried the second wounded man to a secure position. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of two Marines. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Petty Officer Emanuel upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.