The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Donald L. Curtis (ASN: RA-19411625), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 15 June 1953, in the vicinity of Chat-Kol, Korea, Company E, 2d Battalion, of which Sergeant Curtis was a squad leader, had the mission of counterattacking and regaining control of positions overrun by a numerically superior hostile force that night. The enemy had detected the friendly elements in trenches encircling the outpost and concentrated intense mortar fire in the area, inflicting many friendly casualties. Sergeant Curtis, with complete disregard for his personal safety, repeatedly ran into the impact area to drag his wounded men from the caved-in trenches to safety. Later, as the unit reorganized to counterattack the overrun enemy-held positions, he again exposed himself to enemy fire and courageously led his squad, offering them encouragement, and inspiring the maximum effort from his men. As a result of his actions, the enemy was repulsed and the lives of many friendly soldiers were saved. Sergeant Curtis’ outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.