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 Specialist Fourth Class Michael G. Henkel, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 12 August 1969 while serving as a machine gunner with Troop E, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while conducting a reconnaissance mission the troop was suddenly engaged by an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese Army soldiers in a well camouflaged base camp. In the initial moments of the fierce fire fight the troop sustained numerous casualties as the intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire raked the armored vehicles. Disregarding his own safety he dashed through the hostile fusillade and administered aid to several men who had been knocked off their vehicles and were lying in exposed positions. After moving the casualties to a safe evacuation location Specialist Henkel spotted another group of wounded men and ran to their aid. While helping to move the casualties he was seriously wounded by an exploding rocket propelled grenade. Nevertheless he continued helping his comrades until he collapsed from loss of blood. Specialist Four Henkel’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.