The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Donald F. Neff (MCSN: 0-27008), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Company A, Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian Island, 10 July 1944. Carrying out his assigned mission, Second Lieutenant Neff led his three man night patrol on a hydrographic reconnaissance to a landing beach and, swimming ashore armed with only a knife, observed enemy activity. Determined to complete his primary objective and find an exit from the beach, he instructed his unarmed men to remain on the shore line and, braving possible ambush, proceeded inland alone and found a footpath over which friendly troops landing could advance. After accomplishing his mission, Second Lieutenant Neff returned to his men and guided the patrol back to their battalion. His leadership, perseverance, and fortitude in fulfilling an important assignment reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Neff and the United States Naval Service.