David Hackworth’s THIRD 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
FIRST LIEUTENANT 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) David Haskell Hackworth (ASN: OF-103837), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 27th Infantry, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, on 4 November 1951. Lieutenant Hackworth’s unit was engaged with a well entrenched hostile force over the possession of a vital hill mass. While leading the assault squad up the slope through intense small arms, automatic weapons fire and bursting grenades, he was painfully wounded but refused evacuation and continued directing accurate concentrations on the main points of resistance. Finally leaving the impact area, he received medical aid. Quickly returning to his men, he led a spirited charge against the foe to overrun the position and rout the enemy. Unable to hold a weapon because of his broken arm, he accepted the assistance of an enlisted man, who held the carbine level while Lieutenant Hackworth placed heavy fire on the retreating enemy. He continued exposing himself to the withering crossfire in order to coordinate the tactics of his men and direct the evacuation of the wounded until he was called to the telephone and ordered to the rear for medical aid. Refusing to stay out of the impact area, he again went forward to assure himself that his men were well organized and all helpless soldiers were brought back to friendly positions. Lieutenant Hackworth’s inspirational leadership, aggressive determination and courageous 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