The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class David C. Pace (MCSN: 2229358), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 May 1967 during Operation PRAIRIE IV, while on a search and clear mission near the Demilitarized Zone, Private First Class Pace’s company came under intense automatic weapons and small arms fire from an undetermined number of entrenched North Vietnamese Army troops. As his platoon advanced toward a tree line to its front to attack the enemy positions, it was halted by heavy fire and sustained several casualties. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private First Class Pace fearlessly exposed himself to hostile fire as he moved forward, attacked an enemy position and destroyed it. Then observing another fortified enemy position firing on his platoon’s right flank, he boldly ran across an open area to the emplacement and single-handed killed the enemy soldier and destroyed his weapon. His daring and determined actions inspired all who observed him and enabled his platoon to evacuate its casualties and continue its assault against the enemy. By his exceptional courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme danger, Private First Class Pace was instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.