Michael Disser Silver Star citation
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ESTABLISHED BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS 9 JULY 1918 (AMENDED BY ACT OF 25 JULY 1963) AND AWARDED BY THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
SILVER STAR MEDAL
PRESENTED TO
SPECIALIST FOURTH CLASS MICHAEL DISSER
UNITED STATES ARMY
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Michael Disser, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment A-726, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, on 6 July 1964. As a demolition specialist, serving with the United States Army Special Forces Detachment A-726 at Camp Nam Dong, Specialist Disser demonstrated fortitude and bravery while participating in the defense of the installation when a reinforced Viet Cong battalion suddenly launched a full-scale, pre-dawn attack on the camp. Rapidly determining the direction from which the first major assault was being conducted, he rushed to a 60-mm. position and, with accurate rounds of ammunition, illuminated the area in front of his position enabling the defenders to repel the onrushing advance of enemy troops. Then, when he spotted three Viet Cong attempting to penetrate the inner perimeter within five yards of his mortar position, he voluntarily illuminated his own position to succeed in annihilating them. Although he was wounded during this courageous action, he continued to man the 60-mm. mortar. When ordered to evacuate this position, he volunteered to be the first to crawl out and, upon reaching another area, successfully covered his fellow soldiers as they withdrew, carrying their wounded. Throughout the violent battle that lasted five hours and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, he displayed courage, determination, and professional skill which contributed in great measure to the successful defense of the camp. Specialist Fourth Class Disser’s conspicuous gallantry is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
From Shelbyville, Ind…. Enlisted in 1962… Also awarded Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart… Graduated Officer Candidate School and retired in 1975 as a captain