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 T. Awbrey (ASN: 0-542068), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Awbrey distinguished himself on 1 January 1968 as a patrol leader on a combat operation in the vicinity of Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam, while serving as a member of the 3d Battalion, 6th Artillery Regiment. During the early evening hours, as the patrol was preparing to set up in its night location, an enemy force was discovered moving toward the patrol’s position. A fierce fire fight followed, after which the enemy force withdrew into the surrounding heavy underbrush. Lieutenant Awbrey then took two of his men in pursuit of moaning sounds that the entire patrol had heard. As these three men returned, the enemy suddenly opened fire, seriously wounding one patrol member. Lieutenant Awbrey immediately returned fire in the direction of the enemy force. As he was contacting a dustoff helicopter, enemy grenades suddenly began falling into the patrol’s front. Quickly sizing up the situation, Lieutenant Awbrey directed his men to move to a more strategic position on higher ground and assisted in covering their withdrawal. After the wounded man was evacuated, Lieutenant Awbrey remained in position directing the fire of gunships in the area until aircraft were able to extract his patrol. Throughout the patrol contact and the period following, Lieutenant Awbrey’s leadership ability, calmness under fire and immediate response to rapid changes in the situation had a steadying influence on the members of his patrol and were instrumental in overcoming the enemy force. Lieutenant Awbrey’s courageous action and performance were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.