The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class David A. Cheney, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 3 June 1944, in Italy. As first scout for a rifle platoon, Private First Class Cheney was leading his unit in an advance toward its objective when an enemy force suddenly opened fire from a draw in front of him. Although he was caught in the intense cross fire of several machine guns, he disdained cover and assaulted the enemy positions. Running in the face of the hostile fire, he charged the gun emplacements in the draw, delivering rapid, accurate fire with his sub machine gun on the enemy forces. He killed the gunner, forced three enemy soldiers to surrender and the rest to withdraw. By his quick thinking and daring, he penetrated the hostile line and enabled his platoon to continue on to its objective. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Cheney, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.