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 David C. Truesdale (ASN: RA-19331673), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 5 September 1950 in the vicinity of Chyangnyong, Korea. On that date he was assigned the mission of sweeping and probing the forward portion of a mine field on his regiment’s main supply route. The area was under close enemy observation and was subjected to constant enemy mortar and self-propelled gun fire. Each time Private Truesdale began sweeping the area, hostile fire increased in intensity and forced him to take cover. Realizing that his mission must be accomplished in order to allow friendly tanks to pass to the support of his regiment, he moved onto the road and, exposed to the intense enemy fire, began sweeping and probing for mines. With complete disregard for his personal safety he continued his mission, disregarding the enemy fire falling about him, until he had located all mines. His devotion to duty under heavy enemy fire was instrumental in the clearing of the mine field and permitted tanks to move forward to the support of the hard-pressed infantry. The gallantry displayed by Private Truesdale on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.