The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class [then Private] David L. Thompson (ASN: US-56076345), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 3 September 1951 in the vicinity of Mandeau-san, Korea. On that date the platoon of which Private Thompson was a member, had infiltrated the enemy lines and was immediately surrounded and attacked by a numerically superior and fanatical enemy force. Private Thompson remained in this position in the face of enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and grenade fire even though his supply of ammunition had been exhausted. By utilizing his hand grenades to a maximum extent Private Thompson was able to withstand the fierce enemy assaults and inflict numerous casualties upon the enemy. As a result of Private Thompson’s intrepid actions the enemy forces were forced to withdraw with heavy losses in both personnel and equipment. The gallantry in action displayed by Private Thompson on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.