The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Donald R. Van Wagenen (ASN: 39076049), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 7th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Attu, Aleutian Islands, Territory of Alaska, in May 1943. Sergeant Van Wagenen, on his own initiative and in the face of severe Japanese fire, crawled to a machine gun, the gunner of which had been killed, and dragged it back to his lines to prevent its capture by the enemy. Subsequently, with his platoon leader wounded while on reconnaissance, he exposed himself to fire in order to assist the officer. As he reached the man’s side, Sergeant Van Wagenen was killed by a burst of Japanese fire. 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.