The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

LCpl MICHAEL R. MORGAN

United States Marine Corps

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

    "For conspicuous  gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Messenger with Company M, 3d  Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 April 1967, in the  vicinity of Khe Sanh, Quang Tri Province, while conducting an extensive search and destroy operation. Company M was assigned the mission of securing Hill 881, a strategic terrain feature commanding the northern approaches into the Khe Sanh complex. As the assault approached the crest of the hill, Company M became subjected to intense enemy fire from heavily defended strongly-fortified enemy emplacements. A high volume of small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire inflicted casualties upon the advancing Marines and temporarily halted forward movement in the subsequent bitterly contested engagement, ever increasing in intensity, ammunition supply decreased to a critical shortage. Heedless of his own safety, Lance Corporal Morgan courageously exposed himself to a high volume of enemy fire to advance forward to collect ammunition. Although painfully wounded in the shoulder, he relentlessly continued in his  quest to complete his task of collecting additional ammunition and distributing it among his platoon. Repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, Lance Corporal Morgan sustained a second injury, a critical leg wound which prohibited his standing or walking.  Seeking safety from his exposed position, he crawled to a crater, in close proximity to the enemy, and proceeded to deliver accurate, effective fire against the enemy. Lying in an extremely hazardous position after his ammunition was depleted, he was attacked by an enemy soldier and mortally wounded. By his outstanding courage, exceptional fortitude and valiant fighting spirit, Lance Corporal Morgan served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.  He gallantly gave his life for his country."