The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant David L. McCracken (AFSN: 13853510), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing force while serving with the 8th Aerial Port Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, in action against the enemy at Khe Sanh Combat Support Base, Republic of Vietnam on 25 February 1968. On that date, Sergeant McCracken repeatedly exposed himself to mortar and artillery fire to secure two burning pallets of mortars on the aircraft ramp that were in danger of exploding and which threatened the lives of an aircrew and support personnel. Sergeant McCracken exposed himself to imminent danger of an impending explosion while securing the aforementioned pallets. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant McCracken has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.