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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Armor Joseph Mike Berkson, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 1 and 2 May 1972, while serving as Deputy Senior Advisor, 5th Army of the Republic of Vietnam Ranger Group, III Corps Ranger Command. On 1 May 1972, the 5th Ranger Group was operating in the vicinity of Quang Tri City, Quang Tri Province. Captain Berkson, realizing the weakened condition of his unit and the absence of support from other than United States assets, refused evacuation and disregarding his own personal safety, volunteered to remain with his unit. On the night of 1 May 1972, while attempting to penetrate enemy positions blocking the withdrawal from Quang Tri and establish a route across the Nhung River, the Group came under intense small arms, machine gun, and mortar fire. Command and Control of the Group was lost when elements of the command group became separated during the battle and Captain Berkson’s element was reduced to a total of six. After a series of sharp contacts, this element was engaged by a machinegun at a range of twenty feet. Immediately returning fire, Captain Berkson assisted in destroying the machinegun. The element then began a move to a more concealed position along the river, inflicting additional casualties on the enemy as they proceeded. Utilizing escape and evasion techniques throughout the night, the element escaped detection and exfiltrated north to a position from which a helicopter extraction was arranged. Captain Berkson’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.