The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Donald L. Hilton (MCSN: 1094580), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Runner of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 5 December 1950. Subjecting himself to direct hostile grenade, mortar and small arms fire while delivering greatly needed supplies of ammunition during a bitter, sustained encounter with numerically superior hostile forces at Hagaru-ri, Private First Class Hilton found that the wooden boxes containing supplies of 3.5 ammunition had been set on fire by a bursting while phosphorous mortar shell. Realizing that an explosion of the ammunition would completely breach the precariously held defense line, he unhesitatingly ran to the ignited supply area through enemy-occupied positions and under heavy fire, removed the burning boxes from the ammunition dump, brushed the flaming phosphorous from the cases and then extinguished the blazing wood by smothering the flames with his coat. By his prompt and determined action, daring initiative and cool courage in the face of grave peril, Private First Class Hilton undoubtedly prevented the ammunition dump from exploding. His heroic efforts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.