The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Donald L. Larson, United States Army, for gallantry in actions while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 11 January 1969 while serving as an armored cavalry assault vehicle commander with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date as his platoon was returning from a mine sweeping operation, the small friendly force suddenly received an intense barrage of small arms, automatic weapons and antitank grenade fire from an enemy force of superior size. Reacting instantly, he formed the lead element into defensive positions, dispatched aid to his platoon leaders disabled assault vehicle, and radioed for assistance. Under his direction, the men in the forward part of the armored column were able to silence three rocket-propelled grenade teams and prevent the enemy force from immediately overrunning the friendly platoon. As the battle progressed, their ammunition ran low, and several weapons malfunctioned. Noticing that the enemy was preparing for a frontal assault, Sergeant Larson, ignoring the heavy enemy fire directed at him launched a one-man assault on the advancing enemy soldiers, killing a number of them and scattering the rest. After a reaction force had arrived to relieve the besieged platoon, he led a dismounted sweep of the area which resulted in more enemy soldiers killed and many enemy soldiers and weapons captured. Staff Sergeant Larson’s exceptional courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.