David Hackworth’s FIRST 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
SERGEANT 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 the Silver Star to Sergeant David Haskell Hackworth (ASN: OF-103837), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On 6 February 1951 near Soam-ni, Korea, the lead elements of Sergeant Hackworth’s task force were subjected to heavy small arms and mortar fire. After organizing his men in advantageous positions, he mounted a tank and directed a heavy volume of effective machine gun fire at the hostile emplacements. When his ammunition was exhausted, he immediately moved to the exposed deck of another tank and directed its weapon against the foe. Although the enemy concentrated their firepower on his position, he continued his mission until he was severely wounded. Sergeant Hackworth’s valorous initiative, determined spirit and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself, his unit and the Armed Forces.
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