The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant David J. Dally (MCSN: 2195759), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 June 1968, the Company L sector of the battalion defensive position near the Khe Sanh Combat Base was assaulted by an estimated North Vietnamese Army battalion, which penetrated the perimeter and occupies several of the unit’s fighting positions. When two squads from his reserve platoon maneuvered to the point of heaviest contact and the platoon commander became a casualty, Sergeant Dally unhesitatingly took command of the relief force. Aggressively counterattacking the entrenched North Vietnamese soldiers, he personally killed two of the enemy while attempting to lead his men to the relief of Marines isolated by the hostile penetration of the defensive perimeter. Although painfully wounded and unable to utilize his left arm and hand, Sergeant Dally steadfastly refused medical aid and resolutely remained in the hazardous area, skillfully directing the fire of his men and leading them in repeated assaults until the enemy was routed and the company positions were reestablished. As a result of his heroic actions and aggressive leadership, the North Vietnamese attack was repulsed with seventy-seven of the enemy confirmed killed. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Sergeant Dally earned the respect and admiration of all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.