David Hackworth’s NINTH 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 Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster lieu of an Ninth 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 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 22 May 1969 while serving as Commanding Officer, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, on a reconnaissance in force mission. During the late afternoon, elements of the 4th Battalion encountered stiff enemy fire. From his light observation helicopter, which was under continual ground fire, Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth directed effective artillery strikes. He then rapidly gathered all available intelligence and initiated a vigorous offensive against the large enemy forces. As the battle progressed, Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth ignoring the fire his helicopter was receiving, directed the gunships and ground elements towards enemy targets, at one time throwing smoke to mark an enemy position. The net effect of his tactical decisions and personal gallantry was a complete rout of the enemy force. Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth’s extraordinary heroism in close combat 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