The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Michael P. Helton (MCSN: 2323276), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 4 February 1968, Corporal Helton’s squad was moving toward an ambush position west of Camp J. J. CARROLL when the Marines suddenly came under intense fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. Although wounded in the initial burst of fire, Corporal Helton skillfully deployed his men and fearlessly moved about the fire-swept area, directing their fire and shouting words of encouragement to them. When his squad forced the hostile unit to break contact and withdraw, he ably adjusted supporting fire on the fleeing enemy while skillfully administering first aid to his squad’s casualties. Only after ensuring that all other casualties had been treated and evacuated did he allow himself to receive medical assistance. His professionalism and resolute determination were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold initiative and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Helton upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.