The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class David W. Denny (ASN: 34013154), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 August 1944, in France. Private First Class Denny was a member of the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon of his Regiment during a vigorous counterattack by the enemy, which succeeded in overrunning many friendly positions. With a group of four companions, Private First Class Denny discovered an enemy column which had penetrated inner defenses and was threatening the command post. Private First Class Denny and his companions engaged the numerically superior force, and notwithstanding the extreme danger involved, remained in position, despite enemy pressure, until other units could be warned and a company could be brought into position to withstand the enemy attack. After the reinforcements had maneuvered into position, Private First Class Denny gallantly remained within thirty yards of the hostile positions and directed effective mortar fire on the attacking force. His courageous actions on this occasion were instrumental in eliminating a serious threat to the command post of his regiment. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Denny, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class David W. Denny (ASN: 34013154), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 August 1944, in France. Private First Class Denny was a member of a motorized patrol which encountered severe enemy fire while in enemy territory and the patrol was forced to evacuate, leaving behind three of their vehicles. Realizing that if the vehicles were not guarded they would be liable to capture by the enemy, Private First Class Denny and a companion elected to remain behind close to the vehicles, guarding them from capture, until such time as the remainder of the patrol could secure help and return. Private First Class Denny remained in this hazardous location until the battalion with which he was serving advanced in attack. Two of the vehicles were recovered and in addition Private First Class Denny, through his knowledge of the enemy dispositions, was able to furnish the leading company of his battalion with invaluable information. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Denny, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.