The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal David Anthony Gentry (ASN: RA-18767298), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on 29 September 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date Private First Class Gentry was moving with his platoon to reinforce another platoon of his company when his element was ambushed by an estimated North Vietnamese Army squad. Even though he was in the ambush killing zone and was the target of extremely heavy hostile fire, Private Gentry displayed resolute courage as he immediately assaulted the closest enemy bunker. Running through intense fire and exploding grenades, with no concern for his own safety, he engaged the enemy position with accurate volleys of fire as he moved closer to the insurgent element. Private Gentry was fatally wounded just before reaching the bunker, yet his fearless actions enabled the other paratroopers in his platoon to seek cover before the enemy could engage them with effective fire. Private First Class Gentry demonstrated unquestionable valor and his courage in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.