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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John David Lonsdale, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force. Private First Class Lonsdale distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 May 1970 while serving as a radio telephone operator with Battery D, 2d Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date an infantry platoon was inserted northwest of Chantrea Village, Cambodia. Private Lonsdale had volunteered to accompany the platoon. After having swept approximately one hundred meters into a woodline, the platoon received heavy sniper fire from two different directions. Private Lonsdale, as part of the lead element, observed that part of his element was pinned down and unable to find adequate cover from the sniper fire. He placed accurate covering fire, enabling his comrades to rush to more substantial cover, while exposing his own position to the enemy fire. He was fired on by one of the snipers, and was subsequently fatally wounded while returning fire. Private First Class Lonsdale’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.