David Hackworth’s SEVENTH 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
LIEUTENANT COLONEL 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 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster lieu of a Seventh Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) David Haskell Hackworth (ASN: OF-103837), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 March 1969 while serving as Commanding Officer, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, on a reconnaissance in force mission near My An. Upon learning that one of his companies was pinned down in a heavily mined area by intense hostile fire, Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth courageously directed his pilot to land in the area. After landing he received word that the company commander had been seriously wounded and immediately went into the minefield, picked up the wounded man and carried him to a relatively safe position. He then reorganized the company and led them through a fusillade of fire to a point where they could be extracted by helicopter. Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division 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