The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal David J. Ellefson (MCSN: 2492657), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 April 1970, Lance Corporal Ellefson led his squad forward of the Company’s night defensive perimeter and established an ambush at the edge of a rocky slope which led to a gully below. Later that evening, approximately thirty North Vietnamese Army soldiers were observed approaching the Marine emplacement. Waiting until the enemy were in proximity to his position, Lance Corporal Ellefson initiated the ambush with rifle fire, killing one of the enemy soldiers and wounding several others. During the ensuing fire fight, the enemy soldiers retreated into the gully. After an investigation of the immediate vicinity, Lance Corporal Ellefson boldly led his men down the slope in pursuit of the retreating enemy. As the squad approached the bottom of the draw, a hostile soldier hidden in the brush wounded the fire team leader and killed the Corpsman. Reacting instantly, Lance Corporal Ellefson charged the enemy position but was seriously wounded and knocked to the ground before he could reach it. Although unable to move and suffering intense pain, he nevertheless continued to shout encouragement and fire directions to his men, valiantly fighting both unconsciousness and the North Vietnamese Army unit until the hostile soldiers broke contact and retreated. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Ellefson inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.