The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman David H. Moffitt (NSN: B-503142), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 March 1969, during Operation PURPLE MARTIN, Hospitalman Moffitt accompanied the Third Platoon in an assault on a North Vietnamese Army company which was occupying heavily-fortified positions near Fire Support Base Neville. As the fire fight progressed, the hostile force utilized a heavy volume of grenades, directional explosive devices, and automatic weapons fire and caused several Marine casualties. Seeing a critically wounded Marine fall in a dangerously exposed position between the friendly and enemy lines, Hospitalman Moffitt, with complete disregard for his own safety, raced across the fire-swept terrain to the man’s side and administered first aid, but, because of the extensive nature of the man’s injuries, was unable to move him to a covered location. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting around him, Hospitalman Moffitt steadfastly remained at his patient’s side, administering to him and comforting him and, when he succumbed to his wounds, fearlessly dragged him to a position at the rear of the platoon. Returning to a forward emplacement, Hospitalman Moffitt observed another casualty fall in the enemy’s killing zone and, again dauntlessly braving the intense hostile fire, raced across thirty-five meters of open territory to the man’s side. While tending his patient’s wounds, he saw an enemy grenade fall in proximity to his position and, fully aware of the possible consequences of his action, boldly placed himself between the grenade and the Marine, absorbing the full effects of the ensuing detonation. Although grenade fragments rendered his left arm useless, as well as causing other injuries, Hospitalman Moffitt, struggling desperately, managed to drag himself and the wounded Marine to a relatively safe rear area. Although suffering intense pain, he steadfastly refused medical evacuation and continued rendering what aid he could until all other casualties had been placed aboard evacuation helicopters before embarking himself. His heroic actions and determined efforts inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, valiant initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Hospitalman Moffitt upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.