The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Donald R. Woods (ASN: 38538361), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 26 February 1945, in the vicinity of Auersmacher, Germany. Upon completion of a front line wire laying detail, Sergeant Woods administered first aid to a seriously wounded rifleman and evacuated him in pitch darkness through thick underbrush, despite enemy shelling. During this operation, he was wounded in the arm but continued on, refusing medical attention until the wounded rifleman was completely cared for. The magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire Sergeant Woods reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.