The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Don M. Witherspoon (ASN: 0-22630004), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 June 1951, in the vicinity of Inje, Korea. On that day his company was attacking a well-entrenched enemy on Hill 451. When the company reached the top of the hill, members of the unit were intermingled with another company. This situation caused confusion and was hazardous when an enemy counterattack began. Lieutenant Witherspoon’s men were falling back from the initial shock of the enemy onslaught. He saw the desperate situation, immediately reorganized his platoon, and turned them to meet the attack. His platoon steadied under his leadership and successfully met and repulsed three successive enemy attacks within a period of half an hour. The key factor which prompted the determined stand the platoon made in spite of several casualties and a depleted ammunition supply, was Lieutenant Witherspoon’s fine example of courage and leadership. His gallantry and inspirational leadership reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.