SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to HOSPITALMAN THIRD CLASS MICHAEL G. GIBBS UNITED STATES NAVY For service as set forth in the following CITATION: FOR THE PRESIDENT V. H. KRULAK LIEUTENANT
GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDING
GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
the
For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a platoon
Corpsman with Company K, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine
Division in connection with operations against insurgent communist forces
in the vicinity of Khe Sanh, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 25 April 1967.
Hospitalman Gibbs displayed exceptional valor in the heroic performance of
his duties while engaged in intense conflict with a numerically stronger
force of North Vietnamese Army regulars. Hospitalman Gibbs’ platoon was
leading the company assault upon the strongly fortified, heavily defended
Hill 861, a strategic area commanding the approaches to Khe Sanh. As the assault commenced and advanced
toward the crest of the hill, the lead platoon became subjected to intense
enemy fire from small arms, automatic weapons and grenades. In the initial
contact, the platoon sustained heavy casualties from the enemy’s surprise
fire and became temporarily halted. Heedless of his own personal safety and
dangerously exposing himself to enemy fire, Hospitalman Gibbs, without
hesitation or summons, advanced to the point of crisis to administer
medical assistance to the wounded. While administering vitally needed aid
to his fallen comrades and assisting them to areas of safety, Hospitalman
Gibbs sustained a painful back wound. In spite of his wound, he returned to
the front of his own accord and continued to treat casualties. He then
received a more serious wound, which broke his leg. Physically unable to
continue, Hospitalman Gibbs lay silent until darkness came and he then
allowed himself to be removed to the casualty collection point. Despite his
wounds, Hospitalman Gibbs maintained an undaunted spirit and provided
vitally needed medical aid to the critically inured and was a source of
encouragement and inspiration to all
who observe and served with him. On the morning of the 26th of
April, while awaiting medical evacuation, Hospitalman Gibbs was mortally
wounded during an enemy mortar attack.
Hospitalman Gibbs’ loyal devotion to duty and uncommon valor were an
inspiration to his comrades and upheld the highest traditions of the United
States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his
country.
