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 W. Simpson (ASN: 31447152), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 12 September 1944. When five enemy tanks were observed approaching the position of a rifle platoon of Company E, *** Infantry Regiment, on a hill near ****, France, Private Simpson, a rifleman, accompanied by another soldier, crawled a distance of about two hundred yards to a point within fifteen yards of the leading tank, despite crossfire from enemy machine guns. He fired six shots from a rocket launcher, causing the enemy tanks to withdraw. The intrepid actions of Private Simpson prevented an enemy breakthrough, and enabled his unit to consolidate its position in this area. 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 and the United States Army.