The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal David Richard Murray (MCSN: 2140769), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 February 1969, during Operation DEWEY CANYON, Corporal Murray was maneuvering a patrol through dense jungle terrain in a mountainous area in the A Shau Valley when he heard voices to his front. Halting his patrol, he moved forward with the point man to investigate and almost immediately came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a North Vietnamese Army force occupying camouflaged and well-fortified positions. Seriously wounded by hostile fire, Corporal Murray fired his rifle with his left hand and killed two enemy soldiers as he fell to the ground. Although unable to move because of the nature of his injuries, he continued to provide covering fire for another wounded Marine and directed his supporting machine gun team to a position from which it delivered highly effective fire against the North Vietnamese emplacements. Ignoring the heavy volume of hostile fire, he boldly shouted commands from his dangerously exposed position as he skillfully deployed his men and directed their fire with such effectiveness that fifteen enemy soldiers were killed and the hostile fire suppressed sufficiently to enable a reaction force to reach his position and relieve his patrol. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Murray inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.