The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal David Gonzales (MCSN: 2348336), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Observation Squadron TWO (VMO-2), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wind in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 December 1868, Corporal Gonzales was the Crew Chief aboard an armed UH-1E helicopter assigned to support an emergency medical evacuation mission deep in hostile territory. Arriving over the designated area, he quickly located the friendly unit and; manning his machine gun, delivered effective suppressive fire against enemy positions. When the CH-46 transport helicopter assisted in maneuvering his small gunship into a precarious landing on a ledge jutting over the zone and quickly prepared for the evacuation. With complete disregard for his own safety, he unhesitatingly moved out of the helicopter into the fire-swept zone and provided covering fire while the critically wounded Marine was placed aboard the aircraft. Returning to the gunship and finding the small compartment too crowded to enter, Corporal Gonzales boldly stood on the outside skid and rocket pod, in full view of the enemy, and continued to fire his weapon as the helicopter lifted out of the perilous zone and proceeded to a nearby hospital ship. His heroic actions inspired all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the hazardous mission. By his courage, extraordinary initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Gonzales upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.