Michael O. Stick
Home of record: Harrisburg PennsylvaniaAWARDS AND CITATIONS
Silver Star
See more recipients of this awardAwarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Michael O. Stick (MCSN: 0-102306), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours on 2 February 1968, the Cam Lo District Headquarters came under heavy artillery, mortar and recoilless rifle fire followed by a well coordinated ground attack by a numerically superior enemy force. In the initial moments of the fire fight, Second Lieutenant Stick immediately rushed to the forward portion of the defensive perimeter to evaluate the tactical situation and direct his men. Realizing the urgency of the situation, he radioed a request for illumination and artillery fire which he skillfully adjusted upon the advancing enemy. As the attackers launched a fierce ground assault, Second Lieutenant Stick, accompanied by a radioman and a grenadier, fearlessly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire as he climbed to the top of a forty-foot observation tower in order to more effectively observe the enemy's movements and direct his men in the defense of the compound. Although suffering from a fragmentation wound in his hip, he resolutely remained in his precarious position and continued to direct artillery fire and shout instructions to the personnel along the defensive perimeter. His superb leadership and selfless actions throughout the five-hour battle inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in repulsing the attackers, accounting for 144 enemy confirmed killed, 100 probable killed, the capture of thirty-eight soldiers and the confiscation of numerous weapons and items of equipment. By his determined fighting spirit, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Stick upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: February 2, 1968Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Company: Company D
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 4th Marines
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF