The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Donald J. French (ASN: RA-17284736), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 10 October 1951 in the vicinity of Imokchong, Korea. On that date Private French moved out with his unit in an attack on Hill 800, a key terrain to Heartbreak Ridge. At the base of a ridge leading to the crest of the hill, his platoon encountered a heavy concentration of fire from a well-fortified enemy emplacement. Private French immediately volunteered to advance and silence the threatening hostile emplacement. Fully realizing the risk involved, he charged forward through the deadly blaze of enemy fire directed at him. He advanced in short desperate runs, taking cover in holes and behind large rocks, until he had reached grenade range of the enemy bunker. Dropping to his knees, he threw his grenades in quick succession into the hostile emplacement and succeeded in destroying it. As a result of Private French’s dauntless courage and selfless actions, his platoon was able to resume its advance upon enemy positions. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Private French reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.