The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Davey Cecil Stateler (ASN: RA-15807083), United States Army, for heroic actions on 5 May 1968, while serving with Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. When his company came under an intense enemy attack, several casualties were sustained. With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Stateler crawled through intense enemy fire and destroyed an enemy machine gun position. He then captured the weapon and began laying down a suppressive base of fire that enabled other members of his unit to retrieve the wounded. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the enemy. Specialist Stateler’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.