The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) [then Private] Donald H. Dearborn (ASN: 0-1999043), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 July 1944, in Italy. The First Platoon of Company I reached the top of a ridge in an attack on Mt. Alto and shortly after they began digging in, an enemy barrage forced two squads to take cover in a draw and a cave at the bottom of the hill. Noticing a small saddle 30 yards beyond the left flank and recognizing it as a possible approach for an enemy counter-attack, Lt Dearborn took up a position in the middle with his automatic rifle. Shortly thereafter the enemy counter-attacked, supported by machine gun fire which prevented reinforcements from reaching Lieutenant Dearborn. Although he could not see the approaching Germans, Lieutenant Dearborn threw several hand grenades which temporarily halted the enemy. Seeing an enemy four-man machine gun squad coming around a rock 20 yards to his left, Lieutenant Dearborn fired his automatic rifle, killed two of the enemy and took the others prisoner. The courage and initiative displayed by Lieutenant Dearborn in delaying the counter-attack until reinforcements could be mustered, prevented the enemy from flanking the squad at the base of the hill. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Donald H. Dearborn (ASN: 0-1999043), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.