The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Transportation Corps) Michael C. Mattis (ASN: 0-277644), United States Army, for meritorious service as a member of the 7th Transportation Medium Port during the period from 1 September 1950 to 2 November 1950. As Officer in Charge of Outport #1, Colonel Mattis consistently performed his duties in an exemplary manner. Through his superior administrative and organizational ability record tonnage was efficiently and expeditiously discharged through the Port in direct support of the United Nations efforts. By successfully overcoming the obstacles of inclement weather, poor anchorage for vessels, few suitable LST beaches, a constant shortage of lighters, and the ever-present scarcity of sufficiently trained personnel and proper cargo handling equipment the success of the Port operation was assured. His outstanding technical knowledge of transportation techniques, use of expedients and ability to successfully negotiate with indigenous contractors to assure the constant availability of necessary local qualified laborers aided materially and significantly to the success of his mission, the uninterrupted flow of ammunition and similar vital combat supplies to all United Nations Forces. The outstanding meritorious service displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Mattis reflects great credit on himself and the federal service.