The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to First Lieutenant (Coast Artillery Corps) Donald R. Fitzgerald (ASN: 0-1046791), United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with Battery C, 456th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Mobile). On 29 June 1944, Lieutenant Fitzgerald was aboard ship in the English Channel when the vessel struck an enemy mine and a violent explosion occurred in the hold. Disregarding his own safety, he rushed to the hold where a raging oil fire had broken out in the midst of the men and with the help of another officer right ed a large fire extinguisher and succeeded in bringing the flames under control. Continuing his heroic efforts, he assisted in removing the wounded from the hold and then supervised their evacuation to rescue ships. First Lieutenant Fitzgerald’s gallant actions and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.