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 Donald H. Larsen (ASN: RA-16267640), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 15 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. Sergeant Larsen’s company was in defensive positions on Hill 125 when it was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. When enemy concentrations of machine gun, small arms and grenade fire became so heavy that the situation was critical, Sergeant Larsen, who was in command of a platoon, realized that his unit was in danger of annihilation. With complete indifference for his personal safety he left the comparative safety of his foxhole and, disregarding the intense enemy fire sweeping the area to his front, dashed forward firing his weapon and hurling hand grenades. During this daring charge, he destroyed an enemy machine gun position with grenades and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat with his bayonet, inflicting upon them several casualties. His intrepid charge inspired his comrades to follow his example and led directly to the complete rout of the enemy which followed. The gallantry displayed on this occasion by Sergeant Larsen reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.