The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospitalman David Edward Porterfield (NSN: 7741866), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 18 July 1966 in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Corpsman with Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, during Operation HASTINGS. When two platoons of Company K were subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons, small arms, and mortar fire, resulting in the infliction of several casualties to members of the first squad of the first platoon, Hospitalman Porterfield, braving the heavy fire, left his position of relative safety to administer first aid to the wounded Marines. While tending the Marine casualties, he himself was mortally wounded but continued to render medical assistance to others until he succumbed to his own wounds. Through his gallant efforts, he succeeded in alleviating the suffering of the wounded and undoubtedly saved several lives. Hospitalman Porterfield’s courageous and selfless devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.