The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major David L. Steele (MCSN: 0-79444), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (HMM-263), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 12 October 1967, Major Steele launched as Aircraft Commander aboard a UH-34 helicopter assigned to support Marine operations in Quang Nam Province. When he received a radio request for the emergency medical evacuation of a seriously wounded Marine from a reconnaissance team heavily engaged with a hostile force southeast of An Hoa, he unhesitatingly volunteered to attempt the extraction. Proceeding to the designated area, he ignored the intense enemy fire directed against his aircraft as he maneuvered to a hover above the dense jungle canopy and lowered a hoist to the injured man. Although badly wounded by hostile fire, Major Steele remained oblivious to his painful injury as he boldly maintained his precarious position until the Marine was hoisted aboard before lifting out of the area. Informed that another member of the reconnaissance team was seriously wounded while assisting in the evacuation, he immediately returned to the hazardous area. Ignoring the increased intensity of enemy fire, he approached the pick-up site but, was forced to wave off when his helicopter was struck by hostile fire. Resolutely determined to extract the wounded man, Major Steele completely disregarded his own safety as he fearlessly braved the hail of enemy fire during his third approach to the dangerous zone. Unwilling to further endanger his UH-34 and crew when his aircraft was again struck by hostile fire, causing the loss of oil pressure, he skillfully maneuvered his damaged helicopter to the Marble Mountain Air Facility and disembarked the wounded Marines. As a result of his detailed and precise report on the reconnaissance team, he was instrumental in their subsequent safe extraction. By his courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Major Steele upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.