The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal David L. Irwin (MCSN: 2383039), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-161), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with military combat against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 11 June 1970, Corporal Irwin launched as Crew Chief aboard the lead aircraft in a flight of CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency medical evacuation of Marines, Popular Forces soldiers, and civilian from Phu Thonh which was under vicious mortar and small arms fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force surrounding the hamlet. Arriving over the designated location, he found the hamlet to be in flames and learned from a small Marine Combined Unit Pacification Program Team on the ground that hostile soldiers were roaming the streets, hurling hand grenades at random, and that casualties were mounting rapidly. Unable to locate a suitable landing zone within the beleaguered area, the pilot commenced an approach to a narrow bridge just north of the hamlet, and the enemy, sensing his intention, turned mortars and machine guns in that direction, effectively saturating the area with fire. Reacting instantly, Corporal Irwin directed the rapid suppressive fire of his aerial gunners and simultaneously provided the pilot with a running commentary regarding the obstacles in the selected zone, thereby greatly assisting him in achieving a safe landing. Immediately upon landing, he unhesitatingly exited the aircraft and, accompanied by a Corpsman, repeatedly traversed the fire-swept area to carry casualties to the helicopter. During this period, approximately thirty mortars and a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire impacted in proximity to him but, seemingly oblivious to the personal danger involved, he resolutely continued his lifesaving activities until he had embarked all the wounded who had been assembled near the bridge. On four successive occasions that night and with complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Irwin fearlessly accompanied his pilot into the same dangerous zone. Heedless of the fact that the enemy unceasingly delivered withering fire directly into the site, he valiantly moved about the dangerous area to ensure that all casualties were expeditiously embarked. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several fellow Marines and numerous Vietnamese civilians. By his courage, bold determination, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Irwin contributed significantly to the accomplishment of an extremely hazardous mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.