The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) David G. Moore (ASN: 0-91943), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Troop Commander, Troop E, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate), while conducting a search and destroy operation in War Zone D, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 7 June 1965. Captain Moore had organized his troop as a provisional rifle company and was conducting extensive patrolling along the east flank of a three-battalion sweep through War Zone D. Throughout the day, Captain Moore’s troop had encountered Viet Cong snipers and mines. Several of the actions had resulted in the destruction of insurgent sniper nests. Late in the afternoon the intensity of the snipers and the frequency of mines increased. Shortly after breaking out of a very dense patch of jungle, the lead scouts reported that several insurgents were in prepared positions about 75 meters to their front. Realizing the probability of an ambush, Captain Moore ordered his two flank platoons to deploy on line with the lead platoon, and he began to move up to the lead scouts to observe. Prior to his arrival at the point, his unit was discovered and an intense firefight broke out. Closing rapidly on the lead elements Captain Moore determined that his unit would not be able to move without close and accurate artillery fire on the insurgents’ emplaced weapons positions. Unable to accurately observe the enemy positions Captain Moore crawled out of is concealed position into an open and fully exposed area and began adjusting artillery fire and directing the fires of his own unit. Without regard for his own safety, Captain Moore remained in this exposed position until the devastating fire he was directing forced the insurgents from their positions. Captain Moore’s actions inspired confidence in his men who willingly followed him in the final assault on the Viet Cong position. Captain Moore’s extraordinary heroism allowed the enemy’s carefully planned ambush position to be routed with heavy casualties to the Viet Cong and exceptionally light losses to his own troops. Captain Moore’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against the Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.