Michael Howard Stoflet
Private First Class, U.S. Army

Michael Howard Stoflet was born on 11 June 1945 in Burlington, WI, the son of Leroy F. and Maude E. Stoflet. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on 9 November 1965.

On 1 November 1966, Private First Class Michael Howard Stoflet was serving with Company A, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in South Vietnam.

On that day, PFC Stoflet's unit was being airlifted to reinforce a besieged American unit. As his platoon proceeded north from the landing zone to assist the friendly unit, it came under automatic weapons fire from several fortified Viet Cong bunkers. PFC Stoflet's squad continued advancing until it was pinned down about 75 meters short of the hostile positions. Seeing the perilous position his comrades were in, he began a 1-man assault on the insurgent emplacement. Despite the volume of fire directed at him, PFC Stoflet safely reached the bunker and found an opening through which he could get inside. His first attempt to secure the position was nearly fatal, as a burst of automatic weapons fire sent him reeling backwards with a slight head wound. Momentarily stunned, PFC Stoflet again moved back into the small opening. In this effort to overcome the enemy, he was mortally wounded. His attempt enabled the platoon to overrun the Viet Cong position and accomplish its mission. PFC Stoflet's courageous actions and extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Michael Howard Stoflet (ASN: 55857498), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Private First Class Stoflet distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 November 1966, while his unit was being airlifted to reinforce a besieged American unit. As his platoon proceeded north from the landing zone to assist the friendly unit, it came under intense automatic weapons fire from several fortified Viet Cong bunkers. Private First Class Stoflet's squad continued to advance until it was pinned down approximately 75 meters short of the hostile positions. Realizing the perilous position his comrades were in, he dauntlessly began a one-man assault on the insurgent emplacement. Despite the murderous volume of fire directed at him, Private First Class Stoflet succeeded in safely reaching the bunker, and immediately found an opening through which he could get inside. His first attempt to secure the position was nearly fatal, as a burst of automatic weapons fire sent him reeling backwards with a slight head wound. Momentarily stunned, Private First Class Stoflet again disregard his safety to vault back into the small opening. In this courageous effort to overcome the enemy, he was mortally wounded. His unimpeachable valor in the face of overwhelming odds enabled the platoon to overrun the Viet Cong position and accomplish its mission. Private First Class Stoflet's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 676 (February 15, 1967)

Honors

The name Michael H Stoflet is located on Panel 12E Line 8 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Private First Class Michael Howard Stoflet is buried at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Spring Prairie, Walworth County, WI.