The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Michael A. Gurrola (MCSN: 0-86269), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 November 1968, during Operation MEADE RIVER, Captain Gurrola and his company were heli-lifted into an area in Quang Nam Province where a large friendly force was to assemble in preparation for an aggressive assault against hostile units. After he disembarked and was establishing control and coordination of the assault elements, one of the helicopters crashed into the command post and burst into flames which engulfed Captain Gurrola and his command group, causing numerous casualties. Although suffering extreme pain and unable to lower his arms to his sides, Captain Gurrola steadfastly refused medical evacuation and, for the following five hours, calmly directed the efforts of rescue teams while simultaneously controlling and coordinating the movements of the uninjured members of the assault force. Ignoring the danger of enemy small arms fire and the possibility of further injury from exploding ammunition and fuel aboard the aircraft, he refused to relinquish his command until all the casualties had been evacuated and a complete report had been rendered to higher headquarters. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the lives of several Marines. By his courage, steadfast leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Captain Gurrola contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.