The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant David Lee McInturff (MCSN: 0-91629), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam in connection with operations against Communist North Vietnamese forces on 2 June 1967. During Operation UNION II, while assaulting an assigned objective, Company D came under heavy automatic weapons fire from an estimated enemy battalion which was well concealed in an elaborate trench system. As his company began to sustain heavy casualties First Lieutenant McInturff moved about with complete disdain for his own personal safety. Exhibiting uncommon courage, initiative, and extreme professional skill he directed and encouraged his men as they moved into the heavy fire. His actions were an inspiration to his men and undoubtedly prevented his company from sustaining more severe casualties. First Lieutenant McInturff repeatedly attacked the enemy’s flanks and front in the effort to penetrate the enemy lines. He held his company in constant close contact and fixed the enemy, at no time giving ground despite the withering hail of automatic weapons and mortar fire. Displaying outstanding military acumen and equanimity he controlled and coordinated supporting arms both for his own unit and for other units about him, causing heavy casualties to be inflicted on the well entrenched enemy. Throughout the entire conflict his exceptional exhibition of valor, selfless courage and devotion to duty were an outstanding inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.