The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant David D. Peppin (MCSN: 0-45358), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company D, First Engineer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 2 to 10 December 1950. Initially assigned the mission of assisting in the defense of Hagaru-ri, First Lieutenant Peppin fearlessly exposed himself to intense enemy fire to direct his platoon. During the subsequent movement in Koto-ri, he materially assisted in the transportation of critical supplies. Later, moving with his platoon as the engineer point in a regimental attack to Sudong, he labored long, arduous hours, frequently under heavy enemy fire, to direct the construction of bypasses, removal of enemy roadblocks and the repairing of bridges and road craters. By his inspiring leadership, courageous initiative and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Peppin contributed materially to the successful attack of the Division to Sudong and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.