The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant David Thomas Stinson (MCSN: 1807439), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a combat patrol on 22 July 1966, Staff Sergeant Stinson’s squad was moving down a narrow jungle trail deep in enemy controlled territory when it confronted an approaching North Vietnamese platoon. Almost immediately, the squad’s point man fired and killed the lead man of the enemy unit. Quickly, the enemy platoon, supported by two machine guns, deployed to both sides of the trail and launched a vicious attack against the Marines. Despite the intense fire, Staff Sergeant Stinson skillfully maneuvered his squad and positioned his machine gun in order to deliver a heavy volume of fire at the enemy. Gaining fire superiority over the enemy force, he courageously led his men in a fierce assault that disorganized the enemy unit and forced them to withdraw. In large measure due to his heroic and aggressive actions, six North Vietnamese soldiers were killed while the Marine squad suffered only one casualty. His determined fighting spirit and bold initiative inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his daring initiative, steadfast courage, aggressive leadership and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme danger, Staff Sergeant Stinson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.