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 Donald E. Krukemeier (ASN: US-55091955), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. During the night of 23 February 1952, a composite force from the 3d Battalion was assigned the mission of contacting the enemy near Wang Jing-Myon, Korea, and capturing prisoners. Sergeant Krukemeier, a squad leader, was in charge of a blocking group that was to prevent the foe from escaping and to prevent his being reinforced. Having reached his assigned location and deployed his men in the desired positions, Sergeant Krukemeier observed a squad of hostile troops attempting to come up behind a friendly squad that was unaware of the enemy’s presence in that vicinity. Leaving another non-commissioned officer in charge of the squad, he single-handedly charged the ruthless foe, firing his weapon and throwing grenades with such accuracy and effectiveness that the enemy was taken by complete surprise and forced to retreat. His daring and courageous actions prevented another squad from being ambushed, and his own from having to engage the enemy when it was needed as a blocking force. Sergeant Krukemeier’s gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.