MICHAEL, DON LESLIE *
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 4th Battalion, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade
Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 8 April 1967
Entered service at: Montgomery, Alabama
Born: 31 July 1947, Florence, Alabama
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c Michael, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving with Company C. Sp4c Michael was part of a platoon which was moving through an area of suspected enemy activity. While the rest of the platoon stopped to provide security, the squad to which Sp4c. Michael was assigned moved forward to investigate signs of recent enemy activity. After moving approximately 125 meters, the squad encountered a single Viet Cong soldier. When he was fired upon by the squad's machine gunner, other Viet Cong opened fire with automatic weapons from a well-concealed bunker to the squad's right front. The volume of enemy fire was so withering as to pin down the entire squad and halt all forward movement. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sp4c Michael exposed himself to throw 2 grenades, but failed to eliminate the enemy position. From his position on the left flank, Sp4c. Michael maneuvered forward with 2 more grenades until he was within 20 meters of the enemy bunkers, when he again exposed himself to throw 2 grenades, which failed to detonate. Undaunted, Sp4c Michael made his way back to the friendly positions to obtain more grenades. With 2 grenades in hand, he again started his perilous move towards the enemy bunker, which by this time was under intense artillery fire from friendly positions. As he neared the bunker, an enemy soldier attacked him from a concealed position. Sp4c. Michael killed him with his rifle and, in spite of the enemy fire and the exploding artillery rounds, was successful in destroying the enemy positions. Sp4c. Michael took up pursuit of the remnants of the retreating enemy. When his comrades reached Sp4c Michael, he had been mortally wounded. His inspiring display of determination and courage saved the lives of many of his comrades and successfully eliminated a destructive enemy force. Sp4c. Michael's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
The following message was received on 23 July 2000:
I am the niece of Don Leslie Michael. I am proud to say I carry on his name, Leslie. I would be very interested in hearing from anyone who knew Don or was around Don while he was in Vietnam. I think this is a beautiful thing you are doing .
Thank you,
--- General / Personal ---
Last name: MICHAEL
First name: DON LESLIE
Home of Record (official): LEXINGTON
State (official): AL
Date of Birth: Tuesday, July 1, 1947
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Single
--- Military ---
Branch: Army
Rank: SP4
Serial Number: 14897007
Component: Regular
Pay grade: E4
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11B20
--- Action ---
Start of Tour: Monday, June 6, 1966
Date of Casualty: Saturday, April 8, 1967
Age at time of loss: 19
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)
Country: South Vietnam
Province: Tay Ninh
The Wall: Panel 17E - Row 125