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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then First Lieutenant] James A. Michienzi, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, near Chong-Ji-Chon, Korea, on 7 September 1952. The combat patrol of which Captain Michienzi was a member was suddenly subjected to an intense volume of small arms, mortar, and grenade fire from a well-entrenched enemy position. The platoon leader was severely wounded and the platoon became disorganized. Although painfully wounded himself, Captain Michienzi assumed command, reorganized the platoon, and continued the mission. He personally carried the severely wounded patrol leader from the position and assisted in the evacuation of other wounded. His unhesitating and courageous action inspired his comrades to the successful completion of their mission and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    2d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 23 – 25, 1969
    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2552 (July 14, 1969)

    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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James A. Michienzi, 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Michienzi distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 23 to 25 May 1969 while serving as battalion commander of operations in An Loc District, Binh Long Province. During three days of intense combat, Lieutenant Colonel Michienzi led his forces to three major victories over the North Vietnamese. In each hard-fought engagement, he was at the forefront of the battle directing his forces, adjusting artillery fire and air strikes, personally engaging and killing the enemy and destroying hostile bunkers with hand grenades. He charged enemy fortifications, eliminated machine gun emplacements and killed an enemy battalion commander. Several times he braved the communist fusillade to render first aid to wounded men and to evacuate them to a secured position. Through his leadership and skillful deployment of troops, over two hundred North Vietnamese were slain, and large quantities of enemy arms, ammunition, and documents were captured. Lieutenant Colonel Michienzi’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.