The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal David L. Crowder (MCSN: 2400990), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 13 May 1969, Company M initiated an aggressive assault against a North Vietnamese Army force occupying a heavily fortified bunker complex eleven miles north of Khe Sanh in Quang Tri Province. Accompanying the machine gun section, Corpora Crowder repeatedly exposed himself to a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire as he continually moved forward to pinpoint enemy emplacements and direct machine gun fire upon the hostile positions. Observing a major source of North Vietnamese Army fire, he fearlessly advanced upon the hostile bunker and destroyed it with hand grenades and light anti-tank assault weapons, killing the two soldiers manning the machine gun emplacement. Subsequently seriously wounded by fragments of a North Vietnamese hand grenade, he steadfastly ignored his painful injury and resolutely remained in his dangerously exposed position to provide covering fire for his companions. After proceeding to the landing zone, he refused medical evacuation until he had assisted in the embarkation of all the other wounded Marines. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in minimizing Marine casualties. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Crowder 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.