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 (Infantry) David L. Rooks (ASN: 0-1290663), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action on 9 June 1944. During the advance of the Task Force, to reduce the German salient before Montebourg, France, First Lieutenant Rooks, as one of the staff of the Task Force, and at a time when falling German machine gun fire was holding up the advance of Company G near its objective, volunteered to assume command of one of the platoons. The platoon leader, Lieutenant Brody, having been wounded in an advanced position, lay within the German lines. By his vigorous personal action in taking a BAR and delivering well aimed fire on the enemy position, Lieutenant Rooks rallied and advanced the platoon to its initial objective, personally effected the rescue of Lieutenant Brody, and the establishment of the platoon in position to permit its further effective use by the company commander. Later during the action around Montebourg, France, First Lieutenant Rooks with disregard for his personal safety and without sleep or rest, continued vigorously to organize and lead patrols, both by day and night, to feel out, identify, and drive back German raiding patrols. His personal leadership and gallantry, his fearlessness and determination to close with the enemy was a great factor in maintaining the pressure of our troops against an enemy who contested the Task Force advance at all times. The information that First Lieutenant Rooks secured was vital and timely to the command, and aided in no small degree in the success of the Task Force’s operations. First Lieutenant Rooks, by his intrepidity, cunning, and superior work, showed himself outstanding among the officers of the command. 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.