The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant David F. O’Connor (ASN: 0-1861562), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 October 1951 in the vicinity of Tondul, Korea. On this date, while attacking strategic enemy positions on Hill 1005 during Operation TOUCHDOWN, elements of Company F were pinned down by intense hostile fire. A lone enemy machine gun, directly in front of the assaulting troops, had halted the entire advance. Lieutenant O’Connor, realizing the seriousness of the situation and with complete disregard for his personal safety, unhesitatingly advanced over the fire-swept terrain toward the hostile emplacement. Although harassed by enemy mortar and small arms fire, he continued forward. Nearing the machine gun emplacement, Lieutenant O’Connor stood in full view of the enemy and threw several grenades into the bunker, destroying the weapon and killing its crew. Although wounded during the initial stage of this action, he refused evacuation and continued with the objective. Lieutenant O’Connor’s example of individual bravery aided immeasurably in the success of his unit’s mission and of the entire operation. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant O’Connor is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.