The President of the United States,
in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting
the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to:
CORPORAL DAVID B. CHAMPAGNE
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a fire team leader of Company A,
in action against enemy aggressor forces. Advancing with his platoon in the initial
assault of the company against a strongly fortified and heavily defended hill position,
Cpl. Champagne skillfully led his fire team through a veritable hail of intense enemy
machinegun, small-arms, and grenade fire, overrunning trenches and a series of almost
impregnable bunker positions before reaching the crest of the hill and placing his men in
defensive positions. Suffering a painful leg wound while assisting in repelling the
ensuing hostile counterattack, which was launched under cover of a murderous hail of
mortar and artillery fire, he steadfastly refused evacuation and fearlessly continued to
control his fire team When the enemy counterattack increased in intensity, and a hostile
grenade landed in the midst of the fire team, Cpl. Champagne unhesitatingly seized the
deadly missile and hurled it in the direction of the approaching enemy. As the grenade
left his hand, it exploded blowing off his hand and throwing him out of the trench.
Mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire while in this exposed position, Cpl. Champagne, by
his valiant leadership, fortitude, and gallant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of
almost certain death, undoubtedly saved the lives of several of his fellow marines. His
heroic actions served to inspire all who observed him and reflect the highest credit upon
himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
/S/DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER