The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Michael K. McMahan (ASN: 0-5429772), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant McMahan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 6 November 1968, while serving as a forward observer with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 21st Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a combat mission in the Republic of Vietnam. After being airlifted into a contact area, Lieutenant McMahan immediately began to direct artillery fire to suppress the hostile fire which allowed the withdrawal of the friendly troops from the area and the remaining unit to set up a night perimeter. That evening he called in artillery around the night defensive perimeter to deny the enemy in the vicinity the opportunity to mass his forces or have an axis of advance into the position. The following day his unit came under an intense enemy mortar attack, and again Lieutenant McMahan exposed himself to the hostile fire as he directed artillery fire on the insurgent’s positions silencing the mortars. His display of gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.