The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Cavalry) Donald A. Critchfield (ASN: 0-1012988), United States Army, for in action in Germany, on the night of 1 March 1945. On that date, First Lieutenant Critchfield was outposting the town of Schiefbahn, with one platoon of tanks and one platoon of infantry. The enemy counterattacking with tanks and infantry, isolated First Lieutenant Critchfield’s unit from the rest of the task force. He dismounted, scouted the enemy, and adjusted artillery fire on their positions, despite the face that he was under heavy enemy artillery and small arms fire. Before daylight the next morning the enemy filtered into the area and it was again necessary to locate them. First Lieutenant Critchfield dismounted, went forward into their lines, and identified them by their speech. He then crept back and adjusted an exceedingly accurate artillery barrage on their positions which was largely responsible for the repulse of the counterattack. Fist Lieutenant Critchfield’s initiative, courage, and professional skill were an inspiration to all.