The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) David Leadre Packard (ASN: 0-1286172), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 6 October 1943, about one-half mile from *****, Italy. Lieutenant Packard, Patrol Leader, voluntarily and with total disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to hostile automatic weapons fire, thereby distracting the attention of the enemy from his scouts who were enabled to approach within grenade position of enemy weapons and neutralize them. This action of Lieutenant Packard made it possible for his platoon to continue its advance. His actions displayed a courage and devotion to duty which give no thought to self in the performance of his task. Lieutenant Packard was killed during this action. 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.