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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) David Peter Thoreson (ASN: 0-70998), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Thoreson distinguished himself while serving as Battalion Commander of the 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 13, 14, and 18 September 1968, while conducting sustained mobile operations against a hostile force approximately twenty kilometers west of Pleiku, Lieutenant Colonel Thoreson’s unit came under frequent night ground attacks by a well armed enemy sapper unit, supported by 82-mm. mortar and B-40 rocket fire and aided by low visibility caused by rain and extremely dense fog. In the course of these attacks Lieutenant Colonel Thoreson, with complete disregard for his own safety, repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fire in order to better control, advise, and encourage his officers and men. Despite the enemy’s determined efforts, not one enemy soldier was successful in penetrating the perimeter, testifying to the excellent tactical deployment of his men by Lieutenant Colonel Thoreson. Lieutenant Colonel Thoreson’s personal bravery, superb, outstanding leadership, 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.