The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal David M. Coleman (MCSN: 2200633), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company G, Battalion Landing Team, Second Battalion, Third Marines, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 April 1967, Company G was assigned the mission of seizing a strongly defended hill north of Hill 861. Repeatedly exposing himself to heavy enemy automatic and small arms fire, Corporal Coleman aggressively directed and encouraged his men in their assault on the North Vietnamese positions. On numerous occasions with complete disregard for his own safety, he charged enemy bunkers and spider traps single-handed, throwing hand grenades into the hostile positions. As the assault moved forward he observed a wounded Marine being pulled head first into a spider hole by the enemy. When he attempted to pull the Marine out by his feet, the North Vietnamese shot through the man’s body, killing the Marine and seriously wounding Corporal Coleman in both legs. Exhibiting fierce determination, he unhesitatingly crawled back to the spider hole to help his companion. Shouting for assistance, Corporal Coleman waited for help to arrive and refused any medical assistance until he learned that the Marine was dead. His heroic efforts and unwavering loyalty to his fellow Marines were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, fearless initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Coleman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.