Michael Steven Kravchak, age 21, from Roselle, New Jersey.
Service era: Vietnam
Military history: 35th Infantry Regiment
Date of death: Tuesday, February 27, 1968
Death details: Silver Star Citation: For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Kravchak distinguished himself while serving with C, 2/35th Infantry. On 27 February 1968, Company C was on a search and destroy operation southwest of Da Nang when contact was made with a large NVA force. Private First Class Kravchak’s platoon was immobilized by a heavy volume of machine gun and sniper fire. Every time a man attempted to move, he was either wounded or forced to remain in position. Private First Class Kravchak, seeing that his platoon was losing men and unable to move and accomplish its mission, and realizing the extremely difficult and dangerous situation of his comrades; unhesitatingly rose, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, moved through an extremely heavy volume of enemy fire in an attempt to flank the enemy machine gun and neutralize it. All the enemy fire as concentrated on the gallant soldier, who despite being wounded, kept approaching the enemy position with progressive, steady steps. As he neared the enemy position, Private First Class Kravchak was mortally wounded. Private First Class Kravchak’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a well-armed and fortified NVA force served as a dramatic inspiration to his entire company. His gallantry, aggressiveness, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Cemetery: Graceland Memorial Park, Kenliworth
Source: 35th Infantry Regiment Association
