The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal David Lawrence Cowart (MCSN: 2281133), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an M-60 Machine Gunner with the Second Platoon of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam on 25 September 1967. While on combat patrol in the vicinity of Tan My in Quang Nam Province, the Second Squad was crossing an open rice paddy moving toward its objective, when it met a platoon-size Viet Cong force. Receiving heavy carbine and automatic weapons fire from the enemy positions, the squad, caught in the open, was pinned down and unable to effectively return fire. Lance Corporal Cowart, left in a covering position, instantly counterattacked by raking the enemy with a devastating volume of machine-gun fire, effectively suppressing its fire. His immediate actions enabled the squad to reach areas of safety. At the peak of the intense firefight the Viet Cong attempted to shift positions, advancing under its own protective fire. Alertly observing this movement, Lance Corporal Cowart without hesitation, jumped to exposed ground and, disregarding the concentrated enemy fire directed at him, fired over four-hundred rounds, successfully halting the enemy advance before he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. His bravery and determination throughout the bitter action served to inspire and motivate all who were involved, and were significantly instrumental in preventing further friendly casualties. By his valiant fighting spirit, daring initiative and unswerving devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Cowart upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.