The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Donald Ray Patton (MCSN: 2139361), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, on 19 December 1966 in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During a nine man reconnaissance patrol deep into enemy controlled territory, Corporal Patton was acting as Assistant Patrol Leader. After crossing a stream, the patrol was divided into two groups with Corporal Patton commanding the main body of six Marines. As his element moved to a vantage point, the rear security guard, under the command of the patrol leader, suddenly came under heavy fire from three North Vietnamese soldiers. In the ensuing fire fight, the enemy soldiers were killed and the patrol leader fell mortally wounded. Reacting instantly, Corporal Patton, hearing the fire fight, returned to the rear guard position and assumed command of the situation. Anticipating that there might be more enemy soldiers in the area, he sent two men to recall the main body of the patrol while he remained at the position to protect the body of his fellow Marine. Almost immediately, he was confronted by six more heavily armed enemy soldiers. With complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly remained at his position and succeeded in killing four enemy soldiers while a companion, who had returned when he heard the firing, killed the remaining two. He effectively reorganized his patrol, recovered his patrol leader’s body and completed his reconnaissance mission. By his daring initiative, selfless and courageous actions and determined fighting spirit at great personal risk, Corporal Patton upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.