29 December

PFC DAVID P. NASH
Company B, 2d Battalion,
39th Infantry, 9th ID. U.S. Army
Giao Duc District, Dinh Tuong Prov.  RVN
29 December 1968

Pfc. Nash distinguished himself while serving as a grenadier with Company B. When his patrol was ambushed by a superior enemy force, Nash was the first to return the enemy fire.

Taking an exposed position, Pfc. Nash suppressed the hostile fusillade with a rapid series of rounds from his grenade launcher. His actions enabled artillery fire to be adjusted on the enemy. After the ambush, Nash established a position with 3 fellow soldiers on a narrow dike.

Shortly past midnight, an enemy grenade wounded 2 soldiers in the adjacent position. Seconds later, Pfc. Nash saw another grenade land only a few feet from his own position.

Although he could have escaped harm by rolling down the other side of the dike, he shouted a warning to his comrades and leaped upon the lethal explosive. Absorbing the blast with his body, he saved the lives of the 3 men in the area at the sacrifice of his life. By his gallantry at the cost of his life are in the highest traditions of the military service, Pfc. Nash has reflected great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.