The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Donald E. McAlpine (ASN: 0-1178241), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations against the enemy, while serving with Headquarters Battery, 16th Field Artillery Battalion, 9th Armored Division, in action in the vicinity of St. Vith, Belgium, on 21 December 1944. Second Lieutenant McAlpine was acting in the capacity of Artillery Liaison Officer when his battalion Command Post was surrounded by a numerically superior enemy. As the encircling enemy drew closer, Second Lieutenant McAlpine, in an effort to stem the advance and with utter disregard for his own personal safety, called for fire directly on his position, thereby delaying the enemy and inflicting several casualties upon them. He continued calling for this concentrated fire until the enemy overran the position and he was captured. In subsequent action, Second Lieutenant McAlpine was released from enemy control. The intrepid daring and outstanding courage displayed by Second Lieutenant McAlpine reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.