The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Michael V. Palatas (MCSN: 0-43532), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 28 to 30 November 1950. With his company ordered to relieve a friendly company occupying a high ridge overlooking Yudam-ni during the late afternoon of 28 November, First Lieutenant Palatas moved forward with his units in an effort to seize several key terrain features leading to the objective area and heavily defended by a numerically superior enemy. Voluntarily accompanying the assault platoons to the ridge crest, he located and established an observation post under intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire laid down by the enemy at close range. Remaining in his exposed position, he coordinated and directed the fire of his men and, throughout the subsequent three-day defense of the ridge, consistently braved the enemy’s fire to direct his machine gun sections and assist the company commander in coordination and control of the company’s defensive sector. Boldly leaving his observation post during a concerted attack on several well-fortified hostile pillboxes, First Lieutenant Palatas expertly directed covering fire for the assault platoons, aided in the evacuation of casualties and, when the enemy suddenly counterattacked in force, brought accurate fire to bear to inflict heavy losses on the aggressors and assist in repulsing the onslaught. His aggressive and determined leadership, daring tactics and heroic actions were contributing factors in the success achieved by his company and reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Palatas and the United States Naval Service.