The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Coast Artillery Corps) David L. Dickinson (ASN: 0-105232), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 209th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. While they were leading an infantry column across a river during the American drive up the Cagyan Valley on 21 June 1945, two armored vehicles were caught in a sudden and intense enemy artillery barrage and knocked out of action. Lieutenant Dickinson went forward and manned a .50 caliber machine gun, one of the few that were left in operating condition, on one of the disabled vehicles. Although the enemy directed 47 millimeter and five-inch gun fire in the vicinity of Lieutenant Dickinson’s position in an effort to neutralize his weapon, he continued to direct a withering hail of fire at Japanese positions on the opposite bank of the river. His heroic actions were instrumental in causing the enemy to withdraw, enabling other attacking troops to cross the river and continue the advance. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.