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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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) David Philip Porreca (ASN: 0-5018778), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Rifle Platoon Leader with Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division at Landing Zone HORSE, when he was ordered to counterattack a superior enemy force then in close contact with Company B. At the time, a dug in machine gun position a bare 20 meters in front of the company prevented any movement or any advance toward the ridge line to its front. Rapidly estimating the situation, Second Lieutenant Porreca led his platoon through the dense jungle undergrowth around Company B’s position to a location flanking the machine gun. Then with utter disregard for his own safety, he stood up and rushed the enemy position which then turned its fire on him and his platoon. After crossing an open area covered by murderous crossfire, he threw a grenade which killed the four man crew and destroyed the gun. By his courageous, aggressive and dauntless leadership he inspired his men to attack the numerically superior enemy, forcing them back from Company B’s perimeter, and overrunning a second machine gun in the process. As a direct result of this valorous and resolute act, the pressure was relieved on Company B and the enemy routed. Second Lieutenant Porreca’s daring and gallantry in close combat with the enemy are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion (Mechanized)

    Regiment:

    61st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade

    Division:

    5th Infantry Division (Mechanized)

    Action Date:

    June 18, 1968
    Headquarters, XXIV Corps, General Orders No. 1708 (September 30, 1969)

    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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant David Philip Porreca (ASN: 0-5018778), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force. Captain Porreca distinguished himself as Commanding Officer, Company B, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 61st Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), during a search and destroy mission near Khe Sanh. At 0330 hours, on 18 June 1969, the 20th North Vietnamese Army Sapper Company and an infantry company of North Vietnamese Regulars initiated a strong assault upon the company’s night defensive perimeter. The initial momentum of the assault enabled eight North Vietnamese Army soldiers to overrun a position near the Command Post. Captain Porreca and his Command Post personnel successfully engaged the eight enemy soldiers with grenades and small arms fire. During his efforts to maintain the perimeter, he was thrown into the air when a satchel charge impacted near him. He maintained his composure and continued to direct the defense. Moving through enemy fire to aid the wounded, he sustained shrapnel wounds of the leg. Despite severe pain, he assisted his artillery forward observer in directing fire on the advancing enemy. Through his courageous leadership he saved the lives of many soldiers while dealing a crushing blow to a superior enemy force. Captain Porreca’s courageous efforts are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.