The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private David Roddy Preston (ASN: US-55089205), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 1 September 1951 in the vicinity of Mandae-ri, Korea. On that date, Company B was given the mission of assaulting and securing a strategic hill held by the enemy. Private Preston voluntarily remained with the leading squad throughout the attack and inflicted numerous casualties upon the determined enemy. During a phase of the attack, the squad was suddenly pinned down by heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire, coming from the direction of a well concealed emplacement. With total disregard for his own safety, Private Preston assaulted the enemy position with grenades and completely destroyed the emplacement, killing all its crew. In the attempt to rejoin his comrades, Private Preston was fatally wounded. As a result of his self-sacrificing action, friendly units were able to continue in the attack and secure their objective with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry in action displayed by Private Preston on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.