SILVER STAR MEDAL to HOSPITALMAN THIRD CLASS MICHAEL A. WESS 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 a Corpsman
with Company I, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in
connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On
10 April 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.
