The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Don Leslie Michael (ASN: 14897007), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company C, 4th Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Republic of Vietnam, on 8 April 1967. Specialist Fourth Class Michael was part of a platoon which was moving through an area of suspected enemy activity. While the rest of the platoon stopped to provide security, the squad to which Specialist Fourth Class Michael was assigned moved forward to investigate signs of recent enemy activity. After moving approximately 125 meters, the squad encountered a single Viet Cong soldier. When he was fired upon by the squad’s machine gunner, other Viet Cong opened fire with automatic weapons from a well-concealed bunker to the squad’s right front. The volume of enemy fire was so withering as to pin down the entire squad and halt all forward movement. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Specialist Fourth Class Michael exposed himself to throw two grenades, but failed to eliminate the enemy position. From his position on the left flank, Specialist Fourth Class Michael maneuvered forward with two more grenades until he was within 20 meters of the enemy bunkers, when he again exposed himself to throw two grenades, which failed to detonate. Undaunted, Specialist Fourth Class Michael made his way back to the friendly positions to obtain more grenades. With two grenades in hand, he again started his perilous move towards the enemy bunker, which by this time was under intense artillery fire from friendly positions. As he neared the bunker, an enemy soldier attacked him from a concealed position. Specialist Fourth Class Michael killed him with his rifle and, in spite of the enemy fire and the exploding artillery rounds, was successful in destroying the enemy positions. Specialist Fourth Class Michael took up pursuit of the remnants of the retreating enemy. When his comrades reached Specialist Fourth Class Michael, he had been mortally wounded. His inspiring display of determination and courage saved the lives of many of his comrades and successfully eliminated a destructive enemy force. Specialist Fourth Class Michael’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the United States Army.