The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Donald O. Thompson (ASN: 0-1325680), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 2d Replacement Company (then Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment), 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 20 and 21 September 1952 in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. Shortly after starting an initial attack on the right half of Hill 266, “Old Baldy”, Company F suffered heavy casualties from intense hostile mortar and artillery fire and became separated into small groups. Captain Thompson mustered together 10 men, believing that they were all that remained of his company, as almost all communications were cut off, and led them to the base of Hill 266 by a new route where he formed them into skirmishers and led the small band stealthily up the rocky slope toward their objective. Upon reaching the crest of the hill they were discovered and enveloped in a vicious crossfire of enemy automatic weapons and subjected to a savage barrage of hostile mortar and artillery. Although wounded, Captain Thompson, with complete disregard for personal safety, remained in his exposed position, shouting orders and firing his sub-machine gun with unerring accuracy. He was wounded a second time, but again refused medical attention until the other wounded members of the group had been treated and evacuated. His small group’s daring raid killed or wounded many of the enemy and contributed materially to the successful capture of Hill 266 shortly thereafter. Captain Thompson’s outstanding gallantry and consummate devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.