SILVER STAR MEDAL to HOSPITAL CORPSMAN SECOND CLASS MICHAEL F.
RADONOVICH UNITED STATES NAVY For service as set forth in the following CITATION: FOR THE
PRESIDENT H. W. BUSE,
JR. 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 Senior
Corpsman with Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine
Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of
Vietnam. On the evening of 9 September 1968, while Company M was occupying
a night defensive position near Camp J. J. Carroll in Quang Tri Province,
the Marines came under a series of intense enemy mortar attacks and
sustained numerous casualties. Reacting instantly, Petty Officer Radonovich
unhesitatingly left his covered position and fearlessly ran across the
fire-swept terrain, treating the casualties at the various positions. As he
maneuvered throughout the hazardous zone, he was wounded several times, but
despite his painful injuries, he continued to render medical aid. During two subsequent enemy mortar
attacks that evening, he again disregarded his own safety as he moved
through he hostile fire, treating the wounded until they could be medically
evacuated. Only after this was accomplished did he care for his own injuries.
His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were
instrumental in saving the lives of several wounded Marines. By his
courage, professional skill and selfless devotion to duty in the face of
great personal danger, Petty Officer Radonovich upheld the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.