The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal David Edward Rodrigues (MCSN: 2239582), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 March 1968, Corporal Rodrigues was leading a ten man reconnaissance patrol near Con Thien when the unit observed numerous enemy soldiers. Reacting instantly, he requested the assistance of an observation aircraft and, upon its arrival, ably pinpointed his unit’s location for the aerial observer. Suddenly, the Marines came under a heavy volume of fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. Although wounded twice, Corporal Rodrigues continued to expose himself to the intense fire as he skillfully maneuvered his men toward advantageous terrain located nearby. Ignoring his painful injuries, he quickly deployed his unit in a defensive perimeter and fearlessly moved about the fire-swept area, encouraging his men and directing their fire. Disregarding the accurate fire directed at his position, he skillfully adjusted artillery fire on the enemy and calmly directed the attacks of fixed-wing aircraft and armed helicopters on the hostile soldiers. Steadfastly refusing medical assistance, he continued his determined efforts for approximately two hours, until a reaction force reached his position. His heroic actions and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his unit accounting for twelve enemy soldiers confirmed killed. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Rodrigues upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.