The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Second Class Michael J. Atkinson, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy on 4 April 2003 while serving as a Corpsman with Company E, 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, in support of Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, I Military Expeditionary Force during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Petty Officer Atkinson selflessly exposed himself to enemy fire on four separate occasions to render lifesaving medical care to two wounded Marines. After enemy forces ambushed an armored column, he raced to aid a critically wounded Marine in the face of enemy fire coming from theirless than 50 meters away, and then carried the injured Marine back to his vehicle and administered medical care. He subsequently exposed himself to enemy fire in order to carry the injured Marine to an ambulance. Later that day, when the Company First Sergeant was severely wounded in a crossfire, Petty Officer Atkinson left the security of his vehicle to pull the First Sergeant from his vehicle and administer first aid. He continued to brave enemy fire while treating the casualty, and then assisted in evacuating him to a helicopter. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Petty Officer Second Class Atkinson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.