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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) David M. Szumowski (ASN: )-5247367), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 20 March 1969 while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company M, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Lieutenant Szumowski’s platoon was the lead element in a combined force of tanks and armored cavalry assault vehicles during an assault on a well-entrenched enemy force. Disregarding the intense hostile small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire, he assumed a fully exposed position upon his vehicle in order to effectively direct the assault on the hostile positions. As the friendly force advanced, Lieutenant Szumowski’s tank sustained a direct hit, and he received severe fragmentation wounds leaving him totally blind. Nevertheless, he refused medical attention and remained in his vehicle in order to continue directing the assault on the enemy fortifications. Only after his platoon had made a complete sweep through the enemy base camp, inflicting severe casualties upon the enemy elements and destroying a number of enemy fortifications, did he consent to his evacuation. First Lieutenant Szumowski’s outstanding courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.