The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class David H. Sankey (MCSN: 2147732), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Radio Operator with the Artillery Forward Observer Team attached to Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. On 6 July 1967, during Operation BUFFALO, Company A was occupying a defensive position northeast of Con Thien in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under a ground attack by an estimated two North Vietnamese Army battalions supported by grenades, mortars, and small arms. Observing that his two companions had been seriously wounded during the initial moments of the vicious assault, Private First Class Sankey, the remaining member of the forward observer team, unhesitatingly left his relatively secure position and, with complete disregard for his own safety, fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to a vantage point from which he could better observe enemy activities. Throughout the ensuing protracted engagement, he remained in his dangerously exposed location and skillfully adjusted supporting artillery fire on hostile concentrations and mortar sites which encircled the company. Fully aware of the possible consequences of his daring actions, he boldly presented himself as a vulnerable target for North Vietnamese gunners while adjusting fires in proximity to the friendly perimeter and frequently repelled the determined advancing soldiers with accurate rifle fire. His heroic actions and determined efforts resulted in 150 hostile soldiers killed by artillery fire and enabled the company to repel the invading force and kill an additional 200 enemy soldiers with only minimal Marine casualties. Private First Class Sankey’s courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.