The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal David A. Floyd (MCSN: 2259076), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 March 1969, Lance Corporal Floyd’s squad was the lead element during a platoon-sized patrol when the Marines became pinned down by a heavy volume of machine gun fire from a North Vietnamese Army unit occupying fortified emplacements. Unhesitatingly dashing to the point of heavies contact to direct his men’s fire, Lance Corporal Floyd observed his wounded point man lying in a position dangerously exposed to the enemy rounds. With complete disregard for his own safety, he was rushing forward to evacuate the casualty when he received a severe wound from an enemy machine gun. Ignoring his painful injury, he was valiantly attempting to protect his companion’s body with his own and deliver covering fire upon the hostile soldiers when another burst from the enemy machine gun mortally wounded him. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Floyd inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.