The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant David T. Sprinkle, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed enemy force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Sprinkle distinguished himself on 3 January 1972, while serving as a rifleman of Company C, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), on a combat operation in the Republic of Vietnam. During the late afternoon, an estimated company-size element of the North Vietnamese Army ambushed the platoon patrol. Throughout the ensuing battle, Sergeant Sprinkle directed a suppressive volume of retaliatory fire on the enemy positions as he repeatedly exposed himself to the intense hostile rocket, machine gun and small arms fire. Realizing that the point man and squad leader had been incapacitated with the first volley of unfriendly fire and had left a huge gap in the friendly line, Sergeant Sprinkle moved through the bullet swept area to fill this gap. Shortly after reaching this position, he was seriously wounded when a rocket exploded next to his position. Even while receiving aid he continued to direct a suppressive volume of retaliatory fire on the enemy positions. Sergeant Sprinkle’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.