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 Specialist Fourth Class Donald E. Honaker, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 9 June 1969 while serving as vehicle commander with Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while conducting a reconnaissance mission northwest of An Loc, Troop L was suddenly engaged by a large North Vietnamese Army force using automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades. In the first bursts of fire many vehicles were damaged and numerous personnel were seriously wounded. Specialist Honaker reacted instantly and provided accurate suppressive fire. Leaving the relative safety of his vehicle he administered first aid to the casualties. While he was treating one man, intense automatic weapons fire struck him in the abdomen critically wounding him. Despite the injury he continued helping the other men and then returned to his vehicle to resume the assault. L Remaining in constant contact with his platoon leader he fired his heavy machine gun to provide extremely accurate suppressive fire against the heavily-fortified and well concealed hostile positions. Sometime later he organized the transfer of wounded personnel to the landing zone approximately two kilometers away. Using his vehicle he helped transport many people before he allowed himself to be treated. Specialist Four Honaker’s outstanding courage, devotion to duty and deep concern for the welfare of his men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.