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 Don R. Maddox (ASN: RA-16259563), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 23 November 1951, Company F, 2d Battalion, while occupying defensive positions near Kowang-San, Korea, was subjected to an intense barrage of enemy artillery and mortar fire, and most of the positions on the forward slope of the hill were demolished or damaged. Private Maddox, an automatic rifleman, and his assistant were blown from their bunker position. Recovering from the blast, Private Maddox made his way to his assistant and, upon finding that he was seriously wounded, picked him up and carried him through the withering enemy fire to a comparatively safe place where medical attention was available. Returning to his demolished position and finding that his weapon would still operate, Private Maddox commenced firing with such devastating accuracy that the foe was forced to withdraw momentarily. When his ammunition supply was expended he made his way to the supply point at the rear of the company but found only one box of machine-gun ammunition. Quickly returning to his position, he stripped the cartridges from the belt and loaded his automatic rifle magazines, pausing every few seconds to hurl grenades into the midst of the attacking enemy. Throughout the night the foe made several attacks but each assault was repulsed. Ass the enemy made their final assault Private Maddox found that his ammunition supply was again exhausted. Undaunted, he filled his jacket with grenades and ran straight toward a group of hostile soldiers, screaming madly and hurling grenades as he ran. The enemy was so demoralized and disorganized by this fearless and unexpected action that they broke their attack and ran. Private Maddox’s outstanding gallantry and unwavering determination were instrumental in the successful defense of the hill and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.