David Hackworth’s FIFTH Silver Star citation

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

ESTABLISHED BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS 9 JULY 1918 (AMENDED BY ACT OF 25 JULY 1963) AND AWARDED BY THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

SILVER STAR MEDAL

PRESENTED TO
MAJOR DAVID HASKELL HACKWORTH
UNITED STATES ARMY

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) David Haskell Hackworth (ASN: OF-103837), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Major Hackworth distinguished himself on 11 June 1966 while serving as a battalion commander during a combat operation near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam. When a friendly company was assaulted by a Viet Cong force, Major Hackworth immediately proceeded to their assistance in his command and control helicopter. Unable to see the ground below, Major Hackworth ordered the pilot to land him in a hastily prepared landing zone. As the aircraft hovered fifteen feet above the ground and received intense hostile fire, Major Hackworth jumped from the helicopter and moved to the company command post. After a quick briefing, Major Hackworth sped to the defensive perimeter. Ignoring the intense Viet Cong fire raking the ground around him, he moved from position to position, directing his men and giving them words of encouragement. After observing the fanatical insurgents penetrate a section of the perimeter, Major Hackworth personally charged the breached position, killed three Viet Cong and wounded another. He then successfully reorganized the defenses which held throughout repeated insurgent attacks. Through his courage and outstanding leadership, he contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the Viet Cong force. Major Hackworth’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Born: 11 November 1930 in Ocean Park, Calif…. A 14-year-old Hackworth lied about his age and entered the Merchant Marine during World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater… Still underage, he joined the Army and served in Italy… Earned a battlefield commission during the Korean War… One of America’s most-decorated soldiers, holding a record ten Silver Stars and shares the record of eight Purple Hearts with four other soldiers… Also awarded two Distinguished Service Crosses, eight Bronze Stars with “V” Device, a Distinguished Flying Cross, 34 Air Medals, and numerous others… Declined an offer to attend War College and eventually become a general, retiring as a colonel in 1971… Departed 4 May 2005… Interred: Arlington National Cemetery