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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Michael Steven Kravchak (ASN: US-51979030), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Kravchak distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as an Automatic Rifleman with Company D, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 27 February 1968, Company C was on a search and destroy operation southwest of Da Nang when contact was made with a large North Vietnamese force. Private First Class Kravchak’s platoon was immobilized by a heavy volume of machine gun and sniper fire. Every time a man attempted to move, he was either wounded or forced to remain in position. Private First Class Kravchak, seeing that his platoon was losing men and unable to move and accomplish its mission, and realizing the extremely difficult and dangerous situation of his comrades, unhesitatingly rose, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved through an extremely heavy volume of enemy fire in an attempt to out-flank the enemy machine gun and neutralize it. All the enemy fire was concentrated on the gallant soldier, who despite his wounds, kept approaching the enemy position with progressive, steady steps. As he neared the enemy position, Private First Class Kravchak was mortally wounded. Private First Class Kravchak’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a well-armed and fortified North Vietnamese force swerved as a dramatic inspiration to his entire company. His gallantry, aggressiveness and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.