The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Specialist Fourth Class Michael J. Murray (ASN: US-51836889), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Specialist Four Murray distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 February 1969 as a rifleman on a reconnaissance-in-force mission approximately seven miles west of Ben Cat. His company received intense rocket-propelled grenade, automatic weapons and small arms fire while moving into an enemy base camp. The unit immediately suffered several casualties and withdrew to regroup. When a flanking movement was sent against a series of hostile bunkers and spider holes, Specialist Murray volunteered to maneuver with this element, laying suppressive fire during his advance. As he neared a well-concealed bunker, a nearby patrol member was shot in the chest. Specialist Murray twice charged the fortification, placing fire into its gun ports until he was forced by concentrated enemy fire to rejoin his element. After a call was issued for three volunteers to rescue the wounded, Specialist Murray moved forward, pointing out the communists’ firing lanes and bunker complexes. Faced with a hail of bullets from a bunker, he stopped in the midst of the fusillade to fire a light antitank weapon and hurl hand grenades which eliminated the fortification. The men came within twenty meters of the casualties, but were again forced back. Recovering an M-60 machine gun, Specialist Murray advanced to provide covering fire and, when the enemy continued their fierce resistance, stood and charged the bunker. He silenced it with fragmentation grenades, permitting his wounded comrades to be safely evacuated. Specialist Four Murray’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.