The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Second Lieutenant David S. Cowling (MCSN: 0-49804), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against an armed enemy on 12 August 1950 near Changallon, Korea. On 12 August 1950, Lieutenant Cowling was in command of the advance party of the battalion and led his platoon in an assault on a well organized and strongly defended enemy position, Despite intense automatic weapons and small arms fire, he led his platoon in overrunning the position. During this action Lieutenant Cowling was wounded but refused to be evacuated. Later, when the platoon was ordered to withdraw, Lieutenant Cowling, without regard for his own personal safety, remained in the position covering the withdrawal of his men until the last man had reached safety. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Cowling on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and the United States Naval Service.