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 pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) David A. Milton (ASN: OF-109238), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Milton distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 June 1967, while serving as commanding officer, Company A, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Shortly after the company moved out of its perimeter, the lead element came into contact with a large enemy force, estimated to be a reinforced North Vietnamese Army battalion. An intense fire fight began immediately. With utter disregard for his own safety, Captain Milton continually exposed himself to the murderous volume of automatic weapons fire as he moved from position to position offering encouragement and guidance. He called for and directed artillery and air strikes to within fifteen meters of his own position. As the battle continued, he personally led an assault against enemy forces that had succeeded in separating elements of his company. The final position of the battle was held by Captain Milton, the only surviving company officer, and fewer than fifty troopers, most of whom had been wounded. This force repulsed three separate enemy attacks. Time and time again, Captain Milton exposed himself while moving forward to encourage resistance and to assist both the wounded and able bodied. As ammunition was running low he called for helicopter re-supply and personally guided the re-supply despite close, intense enemy fire into the immediate area. Captain Milton’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior force has been in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.