The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant David F. Simpson (MCSN: 498506), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank Retriever Commander of the First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 7 May 1945. When a friendly tank was disabled by a mine forward of the front lines and its crew was trapped inside by intense hostile machine-gun and sniper fire, Sergeant Simpson left the comparative safety of his tank retriever and, after guiding his vehicle through a minefield, attached its towing cable to the disabled tank. When heavy enemy mortar fire began registering on the vehicles, he threw smoke grenades to form a smoke screen around the tanks and, while still on foot, guided the retriever in towing the crippled tank from the minefield. By his courageous efforts and coolness under fire, Sergeant Simpson contributed materially to the rescue of several comrades and to salvaging valuable equipment. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.