The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) John E. Donahue (ASN: 0-2046950), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 September 1950 in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea. On that date the platoon commanded by Lieutenant Donahue was subjected to a fierce enemy attack supported by mortar, automatic weapons and grenade fire. During the attack, to inspire his men, he manned a light machine gun from an exposed position which was receiving withering enemy fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety he continued to fire his weapon, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy. His intrepidity under fire inspired the members of his platoon to greater efforts. During the same engagement an enemy automatic weapon pinned down his platoon. Alone he moved forward with his machine gun and neutralized the enemy weapon. This action allowed the platoon to continue the fire fight and was instrumental in halting the enemy attack. The gallantry and inspiring leadership displayed by Lieutenant Donahue on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.