The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant David J. Gulash (MCSN: 1898797), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during operations against the enemy while serving as Commander, Third Platoon, Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced) in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 September 1967. During Operation SWIFT, in the Village of Huong Loc, the company was taken under attack by a one hundred man North Vietnamese Army force. The third platoon was heavily engaged and receiving devastating weapons fire from extremely close range. Sergeant Gulash moved from position to position, continually exposing himself with complete disregard for his own safety, encouraging and directing the fire of his men. Approaching his right flank positions, he heard a wounded man cry for help. Disregarding the enemy machine-gun fire, which was only twenty meters from the wounded man, he rushed to aid his fallen comrade. After administering first aid to the wounded man, he courageously carried him back through the intense enemy machine-gun fire. Placing the man in a secure area, he attempted to destroy the enemy machine-gun position with an M-79 grenade launcher, but was mortally wounded. By his bold initiative, gallant fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Gulash reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.