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 First Class [then Sergeant] Don C. Bair (ASN: ER-38750525), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 25 May 1951, in the vicinity of Waya-ri, Korea. His platoon was attacking a well-entrenched enemy force in an effort to dislodge them from a high hill. As the platoon advanced upon the objective, Sergeant Bair suddenly observed the enemy organizing for a surprise attack. The enemy brought intense fire upon the platoon, halting their advance. With utter disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Bair resolutely continued to advance toward an enemy pillbox which was responsible for the heaviest fire. Upon closing in on the machine gun, Sergeant Bair threw a hand grenade, making a direct hit and destroying the position, thus eliminating the worst hazard. When the platoon was ordered to fall back, Sergeant Bair again exposed himself to the enemy fire and covered the withdrawal. His actions inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy and saved many of his comrades from certain death. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Bair reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.