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 First Lieutenant Michael Charles Short (AFSN: FR-80651), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an F-4C Pilot with the 557th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Cam Ranh Air Base, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia on 17 August 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Short, despite intense hostile ground fire that seriously damaged his aircraft, aggressively attacked a hostile anti-aircraft site, destroying two active gun positions. His courageous action greatly assisted in recovery operations for a downed fellow pilot in the area. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Short has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.