The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain David B. Brown (MCSN: 0-82465), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 30 September 1968, Company F, under the cover of darkness, stealthily maneuvered to occupy positions on the flank of a reinforced North Vietnamese Army company near the hamlet of Cu Ban (4) in Quang Nam Province. Just before dawn, the enemy company, unaware of the positions occupied by Company F, launched a savage attack against an adjacent Marine unit. Rapidly assessing the situation, Captain Brown unhesitatingly maneuvered his men to close with the hostile force and led them in a determined assault against the flank and rear elements of the enemy company, inflicting numerous casualties upon the North Vietnamese and forcing them to withdraw in panic and confusion. Disregarding his own safety, he then assumed a vantage point at the head of his tactical formation and, shouting words of encouragement to his Marines, skillfully directed them in rapid pursuit of the fleeing enemy. Ignoring the intense hostile rounds impacting near him, Captain Brown expertly directed artillery fire on the North Vietnamese soldiers, forcing them into previously occupied emplacements where the demoralized enemy company attempted to establish a rapid defense. Continuing his determined efforts, Captain Brown fearlessly led his men in a series of devastating assaults on the fortifications, driving the hostile soldiers from their positions and forcing them to continue their disorganized retreat. When the enemy succeeded in breaking contact, Captain Brown maintained concentrated pressure on them by accurately adjusting air strikes and artillery fire missions. His bold initiative and heroic actions inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in his company accounting for thirty-one hostile soldiers killed and the capture of three prisoners and numerous enemy weapons. By his courage, superb leadership and steadfast devotion to duty, Captain Brown contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.