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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) David S. Cavanaugh, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 27 November 1969 while serving as the Assistant Battalion Advisor, 11st Battalion, 45th Regiment, 23d Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On that day an American helicopter was downed by enemy machine gun fire near the Vietnamese border outpost of Duc Lap in Quang Duc Province. The crew of the helicopter was pinned down by enemy fire, and Lieutenant Cavanaugh led a reaction force of Vietnamese soldiers to rescue them. He successfully drove the enemy back from the downed helicopter long enough for a rescue ship to pick up the stranded crew. The enemy then attacked Lieutenant Cavanaugh’s relief force, unleashing a heavy volume of mortar fire on his position. He kept his force moving, carrying their wounded, and he repeatedly exposed himself to identify the enemy firing positions and to call in accurate counterbattery fire. Lieutenant Cavanaugh’s fearless and decisive leadership saved the lives of the helicopter crew and thwarted enemy efforts to destroy his relief force. His disregard for personal safety in maneuvering his force and suppressing enemy fires inspired the Vietnamese troops to emulate his courageous example. First Lieutenant Cavanaugh’s conspicuous 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.