The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant David S. Hackett (MCSN: 0-92088), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company H, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Republic of Vietnam, on 30 April 1967. While conducting a search and destroy mission in Thua Thien Province, North of Khe Sanh, the company came under a sudden and vicious attack from fortified enemy emplacements less than one hundred meters away. Armed with .50 caliber machine guns, automatic rifles and small arms with sniper scopes, the enemy inflicted heavy casualties. First Lieutenant Hackett unhesitatingly charged thirty meters through a hail of automatic fire to direct an M-60 machine gun team against an enemy bunker. Once this mission was completed, he again exposed himself to the intense fire to organize a stricken platoon and help evacuate the seriously wounded. Upon completion of this task, he once again rushed to the base of fire to encourage and direct his men’s fire. While pressing the assault and encouraging his Marines, First Lieutenant Hackett was mortally wounded. By his outstanding courage, indomitable fighting spirit and selfless efforts in behalf of others, First Lieutenant Hackett served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.