The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant David W. Noyes (MCSN: 0-102079), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Platoon Leader of the Second Platoon, Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 November 1967. While his platoon-sized combat base was under a well coordinated mortar and ground assault, Lieutenant Noyes exhibited calm professional leadership and resolute courage as he committed valiant personal actions as well as competently directing his men. His command post having been destroyed in the initial phases of the attack, Lieutenant Noyes, after conducting evacuation measures, returned to his burning bunker to discover it surrounded by the enemy. Audaciously he engaged them, killing one Viet Cong and wounding another, thus exhausting his supply of M-16 ammunition. However, the persistent enemy continued their attempt to capture a radio from the bunker, and Lieutenant Noyes courageously drove them back. Completely out of ammunition, he braved enemy fire as he maneuvered to join his men. Once regrouped, the small force, led by Lieutenant Noyes, routed an advancing Viet Cong penetration and then made preparations for a possible counterattack. Through his courage and valiant efforts, many lives and much valuable equipment was saved. Lieutenant Noyes’ inspiring leadership, selfless courage and unfaltering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.