The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

PFC DAVID J. KOEHLER

United States Marine Corps

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

    "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company I, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the  Republic of Vietnam.  On 4 June 1969, during Operation VIRGINIA RIDGE, while Company I  was conducting a search and destroy operation west of Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province, the  Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms fire from a hostile force occupying well-concealed emplacements.  During the initial moments of the engagement, the Marines sustained several casualties. Observing that his wounded companions were lying in positions dangerously  exposed to the enemy fire, Private First Class Koehler unhesitatingly raced across the fire-swept terrain and pulled one of the men to a covered position just as a hand grenade detonated where his comrade had been.  Again braving hostile fire, he re-entered the hazardous area to retrieve another injured man and while he was placing him in a relatively secure location, Private First Class Koehler was mortally wounded by small arms fire.  His heroic and bold actions inspired all  who observed him and saved the lives of two Marines.  By his courage, selfless concern for his fellow men and unswerving devotion to duty, Private First Class Koehler upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.  He gallantly gave his life  for his country."