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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) David S. Whittaker (ASN: 0-2005236), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, on 25 February 1945, in Germany. Lieutenant Whittaker was leading an assault when he noticed a vehicle loaded with enemy soldiers approaching him. After signaling for all to take a prone position, he waited until the vehicle was thirty yards from him and then gallantly leaped into the middle of the road and fired his sub-machine gun, killing two of the enemy and forcing the others to seek shelter in a nearby barn. Displaying great heroism, Lieutenant Whittaker hurled his empty gun into the group of enemy and then used his pistol. The enemy were so demoralized by his aggressive actions that they quickly surrendered. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Whittaker, 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 Staff Sergeant David S. Whittaker (ASN: 0-2005236), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 17 September 1944, in Holland. Staff Sergeant Whittaker was a Section Leader with an Infantry Rifle Company engaged in an offensive against the enemy. During the advance, some enemy tanks were reported in the area ahead. Voluntarily he led a patrol in aggressive action against the tanks, firing a bazooka at the lead tank with such accuracy that the tanks and the enemy infantrymen who were accompanying them withdrew. The outstanding leadership and other soldierly qualities demonstrated by this courageous act reflect the highest credit on Staff Sergeant Whittaker and the Armed Forces of the United States.