The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant David Ray Wood (MCSN: 2131190), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the Bulk Fuel Detachment with Supply Company, Force Logistic Support Group Alpha, Third Service Battalion, Force Logistic Command, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 31 January to 2 February 1968. On 31 January when an enemy force launched an attack on the sixteen-man Bulk Fuel Detachment on Colco Island in the Song Huong River near Hue in Thua Thien Province, the constant small arms fire isolated the installation from friendly forces for two days. Despite continuous enemy sniper fire throughout this period, Sergeant Wood moved throughout the compound, supervising the construction of supplementary defensive positions while simultaneously maintaining radio contact with higher headquarters to keep them informed of the rapidly changing situation. On the night of 2 February 1968, the enemy launched a fierce attack against his position, using rockets, mortars and automatic weapons. Completely disregarding his own safety and although painfully wounded in the neck, Sergeant Wood moved throughout the compound, repositioning his men to reinforce the most severely attacked sectors of the perimeter. When the enemy penetrated the defensive perimeter, he quickly rallied his men and lead them in an aggressive counterattack which forced the enemy from the compound. Suddenly, enemy fire struck the 120,000 gallon fuel storage tank, causing it to burst into flames and forcing Sergeant Wood from his position. Braving intense enemy fire, he quickly moved to an advantageous position where he delivered accurate suppressive fire on the enemy and detonated two well-positioned Claymore Mines, killing and wounding approximately thirteen of the enemy soldiers. Subsequently, he directed the successful evacuation of his men from the blazing compound aboard two United States Navy river patrol boats. By his steadfast leadership, dauntless courage and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Sergeant Wood upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.