The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant David Beyerlein (MCSN: 2217783), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 February 1969, Company A was moving to a more tenable position after having come under hostile attack when the Marines again came under fire from a battalion-sized North Vietnamese Army unit employing mortars, small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenades. While his platoon was engaged with the enemy, the platoon commander and platoon sergeant were wounded and Sergeant Beyerlein unhesitatingly assumed command of the platoon and led his men in a counterattack upon the hostile force. During the assault, the Marines were temporarily pinned down by enemy machine gun fire. Sergeant Beyerlein observing the position of the enemy machine gun, fearlessly stood in full view of the hostile soldiers and repeatedly fired light antitank assault weapons until he destroyed the enemy emplacement, thereby enabling his men to continue the attack. With complete disregard for his own safety, he subsequently exposed himself to intense hostile fire as he killed an enemy sniper with accurate fire from another light antitank assault weapon. After routing the enemy, he efficiently supervised the evacuation of the wounded and the establishment of a night defensive position. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Sergeant Beyerlein upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.