Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Sergeant David Keith Huffman (ASN: RA-16885046), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Sergeant Huffman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 11 September 1968, while serving with Company D, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). At approximately 0800 hours, in the vicinity of Dalat, Sergeant Huffman’s company became engaged with an enemy force of unknown size. The contact was initiated with a rocket, rifle grenade and small arms attack on the company perimeter. The company moved out in pursuit with Sergeant Huffman as point man for the lead element. Approximately two hundred meters outside the perimeter contact was again made with a four man North Vietnamese Army delaying force. Sergeant Huffman’s immediate return fire was the determining factor in gaining fire superiority which forced the enemy to withdraw with the patrol in pursuit. With contact imminent, Sergeant Huffman remained on point and while proceeding up a low, sparsely wooded hill, a reinforced North Vietnamese Army squad again initiated contact with rockets, rifle grenades and intense automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Huffman, seriously wounded in this encounter, sustaining bullet wounds in the right calf, left thigh and a fragmentation wound in the lower back, remained exposed to intense hostile fire in order to place effective suppressive fire on the enemy positions and relay information concerning enemy size and location. His courageous actions inspired all who observed him and materially contributed to the patrol’s continued advancement which forced the enemy to withdraw. Sergeant Huffman’s bravery, professional competence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received