THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20310-1000

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
 

BRONZE STAR MEDAL

to

MICHAEL A. HARRIS

RADIOMAN SECOND CLASS

UNITED STATES NAVY

for service set forth in the following 

Citation:

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Radioman and Gunner aboard an Armored Troop Carrier, River Assault Squadron FIFTEEN, Mobile Riverine Force, Task Force 117, in the Mekong Delta of the Republic of Vietnam on 15 June 1969. Petty Officer Harris' boat was part of an assault force engaged in extraction of U.S. Army infantry troops under enemy fire. While embarking the troops, his craft's bow ramp retraction mechanism failed, disabling the boat and rendering it immobile, exposed, and in grave peril.  Under intense fire from rocket propelled armor piercing grenades and heavy caliber machine guns from concealed enemy positions, Petty Officer Harris moved from the armored welldeck to the forward edge of the lowered bow ramp to effect emergency repairs.  Immediately evaluating the situation and realizing the need for instant action to protect the boat crew and embarked troops, he single-handedly undertook the raising of the four and a half ton ramp.  Placing himself in an open position at the edge of the lowered ramp, fully exposed to enemy fire, Petty Officer Harris attached a chain hoist, directed other crewmen to shielded positions behind armor in order to lay down suppressive fire, and remained in this position of extreme danger until he had manually winched up the bow ramp, enabling his boat to withdraw from the hostile shore.  His quick-thinking actions saved his boat and the lives of his shipmates and embarked troops.  Petty Officer Harris' courageous, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.