The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant David D. Hundley (MCSN: 0-101583), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (HMM-165), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 8 December 1968, First Lieutenant Hundley launched as Aircraft Commander aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned an emergency medical evacuation mission in support of friendly forces operating near DaNang. Despite a heavy volume of hostile fire directed at his aircraft while approaching the zone, he skillfully landed and boarded the casualties. Departing the fire-swept zone, he took the wounded Marines to medical facilities and immediately proceeded to another area, where seven more casualties were awaiting extraction. As First Lieutenant Hundley landed his helicopter, an intense volume of enemy fire critically damaged one of his aircraft’s two boost systems. Realizing the necessity of quickly evacuating the wounded, he skillfully overcame the difficulties resulting from the loss of his aircraft’s stabilization system, departed the landing zone, and skillfully accomplished a successful landing at Hill 55. By his courage, outstanding aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, First Lieutenant Hundley inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.