The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Michael L. Boatman (MCSN: 2373653), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 May 1968, during Operation ALLEN BROOK in Quang Nam Province, Private First Class Boatman’s unit was assigned to assist a friendly platoon which had become heavily engaged with a large enemy force. En route to the friendly unit, the Marines and their supporting tanks came under a heavy volume of fire from a well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force. In the ensuing engagement, several men were wounded, including a tank commander manning his .50 caliber machine gun and another Marine who employed the weapon. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Private First Class Boatman unhesitatingly exposed himself to the enemy fire and, after fearlessly mounting the vehicle, commenced directing .50 caliber machine gun fire upon the enemy. Disregarding the intense hostile fire impacting around him, he continued to deliver accurate suppressive fire, silencing several hostile emplacements, until his ammunition was depleted. Dismounting from the tank, he repeatedly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain while assisting in the evacuation of the wounded. His superb leadership and aggressive fighting spirit were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold initiative and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Private First Class Boatman upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.