The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

 

SILVER STAR MEDAL to

 

HOSPITALMAN 3RD CLASS MICHAEL A. WESS

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

 

For service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION:

 

           "The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Michael A. Wess, Company I Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 September 1968, Company I was occupying a defensive position near Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under and intense hostile mortar attack. Reacting instantly, Petty Officer Wess unhesitatingly left his covered position and fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to assist a seriously injured Marine who had fallen into a bomb crater. As he reached the casualty, Petty Officer Wess was violently hurled into the crater by the explosion of an enemy mortar round. Despite sustaining multiple fragmentation wound, he resolutely crawled to the side of the injured man and administered first aid. Disregarding his own safety, he then fearlessly commenced moving from one position to another as he treated other injured Marines. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, he steadfastly refused medical assistance and ensured that all casualties were cared for and medically evacuated. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, professional competence and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Petty Officer Wess upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

 

FOR THE PRESIDENT

 

 

H. W. BUSE, JR

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC