The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant David B. Thompson, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with the First Force Reconnaissance Company, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 11 January 1969, Sergeant Thompson was leading an eight-man, long-range reconnaissance patrol deep in enemy controlled territory southwest of An Hoa in Quang Nam Province when six North Vietnamese approached the Marines from the rear. Quickly moving back to assess the situation, Sergeant Thompson directed the fire of his men and ordered his patrol to break contact as he provided rear security. On the following day, the patrol was attacked by a platoon-size hostile force that attempted to surround the Marines. Skillfully maneuvering his men out of the attempted trap, Sergeant Thompson was leading them across a dry stream bed under enemy fire when he alertly observed that his radio operator was entangled in jungle vines. Fearlessly moving across the fire-swept terrain to the side of his comrade, he freed the man and then waited until his entire patrol had safely crossed the stream bed before he rejoined his men. After being pursued by the enemy for two hours, he established a defensive perimeter and requested and directed fixed wing and helicopter gunship air support fires against the North Vietnamese, inflicting numerous casualties. When his patrol moved to a landing zone and an extraction helicopter was unable to land because of intense hostile fire, several patrol members were hoisted aboard with a ladder. Voluntarily remaining behind with two men that were unable to board the aircraft, Sergeant Thompson directed his Marines in evading the enemy until the helicopter returned and they were evacuated from the hazardous area. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, exceptional leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Sergeant Thompson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.