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 Captain (Armor) Michael B. Hartgraves, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 11 May 1969 while serving as the Commanding Officer of Troop F, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date one of his platoon leaders had been medically evacuated from a contact area and Captain Hartgraves assumed command of the friendly element. After the enemy had broken contact, he led his men in a search of the area. As he flew at a low altitude over the suspected hostile positions, his helicopter came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire. Nevertheless, he continued to circle the area in order to locate the hostile positions and determine the size of the enemy force. Although his aircraft was damaged by hostile small arms fire and was forced to fly to its base of operations, Captain Hartgraves quickly boarded another helicopter and returned to the scene of the engagement. Upon landing in the contact area, he mounted the command assault vehicle and organized an attack on the enemy positions. As a result of his skillful and courageous leadership, the hostile force was soundly defeated and a large number of enemy weapons were captured. Captain Hartgraves’ outstanding courage and unwavering 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.