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 the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant David G. Cantu (ASN: RA-18667293), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 2d Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 November 1968, Sergeant Cantu was serving with his mechanized unit as a platoon sergeant during a reconnaissance in force operation. When his company moved into a Vietnamese Army battalion’s heavily fortified base camp, he immediately maneuvered his tracks on line and began an assault. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Cantu moved from vehicle to vehicle under the vicious hostile fusillade of small arms, machine gun and rocket propelled grenade fire, effectively directing his men in movement and counter fire. Upon returning to the rear, he was informed that his platoon leader had been wounded. Undaunted, Sergeant Cantu assumed full command of the platoon. When the supporting fires ceased, he organized and led his men on a second assault and was the first man to reach the objective. During the attack on the numerically superior, Sergeant Cantu repeatedly risked his life for the success of the mission and was personally responsible for the destruction of several enemy emplacements. His exceptional courage, determination and professional leadership throughout the conflict were determinative factors in the decisive defeat of the insurgent force. Staff Sergeant Cantu’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.