Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Michael A. McDermott (ASN: OF-109765), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). First Lieutenant McDermott distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 November 1967 while leading two rifle squads on a search and destroy operation near Chu Lai. The two squads were separated by two hundred meters when the point man in Lieutenant McDermott’s squad surprised approximately fifteen North Vietnamese Army soldiers and opened fire on them. Lieutenant McDermott, realizing they had gained the initiative, immediately ran to the front of the squad and, disregarding the enemy fire, led his men as they chased the communists, personally killing two. Penetrating a North Vietnamese company command post, Lieutenant McDermott’s aggressive action completely disrupted and disorganized the enemy troops, causing them to flee, leaving behind many of their weapons and equipment. Knowing that the approximately seventy North Vietnamese in the area would try to retake the position, he quickly called for his other squad to join him and organized a perimeter within the captured post. The enemy launched a fierce counterattack and Lieutenant McDermott was wounded by a hostile grenade, but refused medical treatment until after the aggressors had been repelled and a relief force arrived. Although painfully wounded, he left the medical holding area three times to direct his men in repelling enemy assaults. His fearless leadership, despite being vastly outnumbered, resulted in the complete rout of the communists. First Lieutenant McDermott’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Division:

    U.S. Army Advisory Group

    Action Date:

    April 16 – May 20, 1972

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, MACV Support Command General Orders No. 2442 (October 17, 1972)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Michael A. McDermott (ASN: OF-109765), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Airborne Division Assistance Team, United States Army Advisory Group. Captain McDermott distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Senior Advisor to the 5th Airborne Battalion, Airborne Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, during the period 16 April 1972 to 20 May 1972 in the besieged provincial capital of An Loc. During this period, the 5th Airborne Battalion received daily attacks by numerically superior enemy forces during which Captain McDermott continuously exposed himself to the enemy fire and directed devastating airstrikes to turn back their assaults. When the embattled 5th Airborne Battalion was ordered to disengage from the enemy, he remained with rear elements of the unit and protected the movement to a more advantageous position by again directing numerous airstrikes. The enemy then launched a massive mortar and ground assault supported by tanks. During this attack, Captain McDermott disregarded his personal safety by moving from one position to another under a fusillade of enemy fire and adjusted airstrikes to eventually ward off the assault after eight hours of continuous fighting. His determination and heroism in the face of overwhelming odds served as inspiration to the weary paratroopers and rallied them to hold their positions. Captain McDermott’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.