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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class David Edward Fitzgerald, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Fitzgerald distinguished himself while serving with Battery B, 2d Battalion, 9th Artillery, 4th Infantry Division, On 2 August 1969, while participating in a convoy movement of combat elements near Fire Support Base OASIS, the leading vehicle struck a hostile mine which resulted in several personnel being severely wounded. Reacting immediately and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Fourth Class Fitzgerald rushed forward in an attempt to aid his wounded comrades. In the course of this individual act, Specialist Fourth Class Fitzgerald detonated another hostile mine and was mortally wounded. Specialist Fourth Class Fitzgerald’s exceptional gallantry, selfless concern for his fellow comrades, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.