Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel [then Captain]

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    November 1, 1943

    Approved by Secretary of the Navy on July 15, 1958

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel [then Captain] Donald L. Weiler (MCSN: 0-7677), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy Japanese forces while serving as Commanding Officer, Company B, First Battalion, THIRD Marine Division during the assault against Cape Torokina, Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville on 1 November 1943. Assigned to the initial assault of the fortified beach, Lieutenant Colonel Weiler, found on approaching the beach, that his landing craft were being diverted from their objective by enemy gun fire. Placing himself in the forefront he personally led an assault on to the beach and through the enemy position, escaping the interlocking bands of hostile machine gun and rifle fire designed to interdict the beach. Having reached the rear of the position, he reversed the direction of his company and proceeded to destroy enemy bunkers and strong points in his zone. Although continually exposed to hostile fire, Lieutenant Colonel Weiler remained calm and skillfully directed his men in carrying out the attack until the foe had been annihilated. A victim of normally incapacitating tropical diseases acquired while in training for the campaign, his superb mastery of them and his courage and devotion to duty throughout served to inspire all who observed him. His valorous acts in the face of enemy fire reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.