The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal David O. Sullivan (MCSN: 2378304), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 February 1969, Corporal Sullivan was Point Man for his platoon during an assault on hostile positions in the Ashau Valley when he detected four North Vietnamese Army soldiers manning a machine gun in a well-concealed emplacement. Quickly alerting his companions, he simultaneously hurled a hand grenade which killed two of the hostile soldiers and sent the other two fleeing from the area in panic and confusion. Completely disregarding his own safety, Lance Corporal Sullivan pursued and, during the ensuing chase, killed the two remaining enemy. Having thus provided the Marines an opportunity to deploy to covered fighting positions, he was attempting to rejoin his unit when he was mortally wounded by sniper fire. His heroic actions and aggressive fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in minimizing Marine casualties. By his courage, bold initiative and unfaltering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Sullivan contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.