The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SP4 Michael Steven Kravchak, who died in the service of his country on February 27th, 1968 in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms. At the time of his death Michael was 21 years of age. He was from Roselle, New Jersey. Michael is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 41E, Line 50.
The decorations earned by SP4 Michael Steven Kravchak include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Michael is buried in Graceland Memorial Park, Kenliworth, NJ.
(His Silver Star Citation)
General Orders 1275, Award Of The Silver Star, 4th Division, 4 April 1968
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.
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