The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Donald Gene Fullerton (MCSN: 1532460), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. While defending the vital An Tan Bridge near Chu Lai on the night of 26 December 1965, Sergeant Fullerton’s platoon was fiercely attacked by Viet Cong just after midnight. In the initial assault, two Marine bunkers were overrun, leaving Sergeant Fullerton’s position exposed to a deadly barrage of hand grenades. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Fullerton directed a machine gun on the attackers and, using its covering fire, left the protection of his bunker to hurl a pattern of four grenades at the enemy. Breaking the Viet Cong attack, he led two Marines in an assault on the bunker nearest the bridge, judiciously throwing grenades in and around the emplacement before his men reoccupied it. He then moved from position to position, encouraging his men and helping to reorganize defenses until the enemy had withdrawn. His swift reaction in the tense situation enabled the Marines to maintain defense of the bridge, and prevented numerous casualties. By his resolute fighting spirit and selfless dedication to duty, Sergeant Fullerton upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.