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 Warrant Officer (W-1) David Lee Blattel (ASN: W-3155811), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force. Warrant Officer Blattel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1D helicopter of the 176th Aviation Company, 11th Aviation Brigade, in support of a friendly infantry unit in contact with the enemy on 5 May 1968. The troops in the landing zone were receiving fire from enemy rockets and automatic weapons and immediate reinforcements were required if the landing zone was to be held. Warrant Officer Blattel began shuttling troops, under intense enemy fire, into the landing zone. On his last rip into the landing zone, his aircraft received extremely accurate machinegun fire. Unable to evade the sudden burst of destructive fire, his helicopter disintegrated in the air and crashed, killing everyone aboard. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.