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Department of the Army
Headquarters 101st Airborne Division
| To: |
Michael P. Callahan, Specialist Four
Company B 1st Battalion (Airmobile) 501st Infantry
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| Awarded: |
Silver Star |
| Date Action: |
June 6, 1969 |
| Theater: |
Republic of Vietnam |
| Reason: |
For gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 June 1969. Specialist Callahan distinguished
himself while serving as a team leader in Company B, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry,
during the conduct of a search and clear operation near Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam. On the cited
date, the lead element of Company B was attempting to capture a North Vietnamese Army soldier who
gave the pretense of surrender. While capturing the insurgent, the company came under heavy enemy
machine gun fire from a nearby position.
Realizing that the hostile emplacement must be silenced, Specialist Callahan began to place
suppressive fire on the insurgents. Encouraging his men to do likewise, he remained in the open
while attempting to gain fire superiority as another element of the company was maneuvering to
outflank the insurgents. With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Callahan continued
to divert the enemy fire, thus providing cover for the main maneuvering element. It was during this
courageous act that he was mortally wounded by hostile machine gun fire.
His outstanding leadership and courage were a major factor in saving many of his men from injury or
possible death. Specialist Callahan's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.
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| Authority: |
By direction of the President of the United States under the provisions of the Act of
Congress, approved 25 July 1963. |
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