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 Allen Knechtges, 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 Knechtges distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 September 1969, while serving as radio operator with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry Regiment (Airmobile), in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit suddenly came under intense fire from an enemy platoon in well-concealed bunkers, several men were immediately wounded. Noticing that his platoon sergeant was pinpointed by a heavy volume of hostile fire, Private First Class Knechtges, completely disregarding his own personal safety, moved from his secure position into the line of fire in an attempt to draw fire away from the sergeant. As he maneuvered, he was hit and killed by a burst of automatic weapons fire. Private First Class Knechtges’ gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.