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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant David L. Long (ASN: RA-18914512), United States Army, for valorous actions on 9 February 1968, while serving as a Reconnaissance Scout with a five man long range reconnaissance team of Company E, 50th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, on a combat mission south of Binh Son, Vietnam. As Sergeant Long and his team were monitoring a well used trail, they observed a large group of Viet Cong approaching. Waiting until the force had passed, Sergeant Long jumped out into the open to capture three Viet Cong only 20 meters away who were following up the procession. When the insurgents attempted to open fire, Sergeant Long quickly reacted and fired first, then captured their weapons and valuable documents. Sergeant Long’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fourth Class

    Regiment:

    50th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    9th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 17, 1968
    Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 2507 (April 17, 1968)

    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 David L. Long (ASN: RA-18914512), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Long distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 February 1968, while serving as a Rifleman with Company E, 50th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division near Binh Son. Specialist Long’s reconnaissance-ambush team had been assigned the mission of monitoring a known enemy supply route and bringing back intelligence on enemy activities. A heavily armed insurgent force triggered the ambush resulting in the capture of one Viet Cong, numerous weapons and intelligence materials. When his team came under sudden intense fire from another group of insurgents, Specialist Long reacted immediately as he took his small group of men to the flank and set up a defensive wall of fire. When the first helicopters arrived to pick up the team, Specialist Long carried the wounded captive aboard and then ran back to help his pinned down comrades. He braved a withering hail of enemy fire to make numerous trips carrying his wounded comrades to the landing zone. Seeing his team leader fall with a wounded man in his arms, Specialist Long jumped from the helicopter he had boarded and ran to their assistance. He then remained on the ground until the last ship arrived for extraction. Specialist Fourth Class Long’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.