The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant David F. Langley (MCSN: 2130678), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company D, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 5 July 1968, during Operation SCOTLAND II, Sergeant Langley volunteered to accompany a small unit assigned to recover a Marine killed in a previous action near the Khe Sanh Combat Base. After advancing approximately 150 meters beyond the defensive perimeter, the unit was suddenly pinned down by heavy small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force entrenched in the surrounding terrain and sustained numerous casualties. Rapidly assessing the situation, Sergeant Langley unhesitatingly left his covered position, ran across the fire-swept terrain to the side of a wounded Marine and immediately administered first aid. Then, while delivering a heavy volume of suppressive fire, he assisted the injured man to a position of relative safety. Ignoring the intense North Vietnamese fire, he fearlessly returned across the hazardous area to assist five Marines pinned down in a bomb crater. After dressing the wounds of one casualty, he began leading the men to a more secure area when he was seriously wounded by sniper fire. Ignoring the pain of his own injury, he fearlessly continued his determined efforts, successfully guiding the Marines out of the perilous area. Subsequently, while attempting to assist other men to a relatively secure area, he was mortally wounded by a sudden burst of automatic weapons fire. His prompt and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the lives of several of his fellow Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Langley upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.