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 Donald J. Mitchell (ASN: RA-15298452), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 31 January 1951, near Umyong-dong, Korea, a platoon of Company G was moving along a ridge toward the battalion objective, having the mission of destroying the deeply entrenched enemy strongpoints that had temporarily stalled the battalion advance. As the platoon cautiously moved forward under cover of darkness the enemy suddenly opened up with a devastating volley of fire from three camouflaged machine guns and other automatic weapons at a proximity of twenty-five yards. The platoon was pinned down and unable to advance. When the platoon leader gave the order to assault these numerically superior enemy forces, Private Mitchell, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his personal safety, dashed forward, hurling hand grenades at the enemy and calling to his comrades to follow him in the attack. His fearless actions instilled confidence in his comrades and inspired them to rout the enemy, in the face of extremely heavy enemy fire. The initiative, devotion to duty, and display of heroism by Private Mitchell reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.