The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Michael George Starick (MCSN: 0-111710), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Liaison Officer with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 6 May 1970, while occupying a defensive position in the village of Que Son in Quang Nam Province, Company A came under a vicious North Vietnamese Army sapper attack supported by intense mortar fire. During the initial moments of the fierce assault, the perimeter wire was breached and, as Second Lieutenant Starick rushed into the Command Operation Center, the enemy threw two satchel charges into the bunker, seriously wounding him and several other personnel and causing extensive damage to the bunker. Although suffering intense pain, Second Lieutenant Starick quickly evacuated the lesser wounded men and established radio contact with a nearby fire base, relaying details of the tactical situation and requesting a reaction force. Throughout the ensuing battle, he remained at his position and continued his bold efforts even thought he bunker received several more direct hits by enemy mortar rounds. Seemingly ignoring his own wounds, he comforted and encouraged five Marines who were too extensively wounded to be moved, skillfully adjusted supporting Marine artillery fire around the village, and courageously fought the enemy. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in repelling repeated hostile assaults. By his courage, superb fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Second Lieutenant Starick upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.