The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant David F. Garringer (MCSN: 0-104040), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company H, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 August 1968, Second Lieutenant Garringer’s platoon was conducting a search and destroy operation in the village of Phu Dong in Quang Nham Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a hostile force concealed in a tree line. Reacting instantly, Second Lieutenant Garringer initiated an aggressive assault upon the enemy emplacement, causing the enemy soldiers to attempt to break contact and withdraw. Observing one of the Viet Cong escaping down a trench line, he fearlessly pursued the man, disarmed him, and knocked him to the ground. Springing to his feet, the soldier pulled out a knife and stabbed Second Lieutenant Garringer in the chest. Second Lieutenant Garringer again disarmed the Viet Cong and knocked him to the ground. As the enemy reached for a grenade in his pocket, another Marine shot and killed him. Disregarding his own injury, Second Lieutenant Garringer resumed leading his men in pursuit of the Viet Cong force and while thus exposed to hostile fire, was wounded in the thigh. Ignoring the pain of his wounds and loss of blood, he refused medical attention until all casualties had been collected in a protected area and a defensive perimeter established. On 24 November 1968, the company was participating in a cordon maneuver during Operation MEADE RIVER when the Marines became heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified positions in a tree line. Skillfully maneuvering his men into the tree line, Second Lieutenant Garringer continually exposed himself to the hostile fire as he moved from one squad to another directing their fire, thereby ensuring the destruction of three bunkers and the silencing of most of the enemy fire. Second Lieutenant Garringer was carrying a casualty, when he was wounded by small arms fire. Ignoring his injury, he resolutely continued carrying the injured man to the rear area. When the artillery fire ceased, he again initiated an aggressive assault against the hostile emplacements and, while moving about the fire-swept area encouraging his men and directing their maneuvers, was mortally wounded. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his exceptional courage, bold leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Garringer upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.