THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON D.C. 20350-1000
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
BRONZE STAR MEDAL to
RADIOMAN SECOND CLASS
MICHAEL A. HARRIS
UNITED STATES NAVY
for service as 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 actions, 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.
For the President,
[Donald C. Winter]
Secretary of the Navy
