The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Donald J. Koontz (ASN: 35015421), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 9 and 17 February, 1945. On three separate occasions, Sergeant Koontz, as aid man for an infantry company, exhibited outstanding courage in going to the rescue of wounded comrades. Twice he braved intense enemy machine gun fire to drag casualties back to safety, although forced to crawl on his stomach to reach the wounded. On the third occasion Sergeant Koontz dived into a stream to rescue a drowning soldier, and administered artificial respiration for an hour under an intense enemy mortar barrage. 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 and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Donald J. Koontz (ASN: 35015421), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 1 August 1943. Technician Fifth Grade Koontz rushed through a fire-swept area to carry a wounded soldier to safety and then administered first aid treatment to the wounded man. 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 and the United States Army.