The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant David W. Stout, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 25 February 1969 while serving as vehicle commander with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while his platoon was conducting a road security operation near Long Binh Post, he observed several North Vietnamese Army soldiers preparing an ambush site. Unable to make contact with the platoon leader, Sergeant Stout who was in the lead vehicle, immediately directed the armored column to move into an assault formation. Caught totally unprepared, the hostile force offered only scattered resistance to the friendly attack. As the platoon swept through the enemy positions, Sergeant Stout spotted a hostile rocket propelled grenade team preparing to fire on the friendly vehicles. With an accurate burst of fire, he quickly eliminated the enemy team. His responsive and skillful leadership resulted in the rout of the enemy force with no friendly casualties. Staff Sergeant Stout’s outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.