The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Donald M. Thornton (ASN: ER-17187911), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 29 January 1951 in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea. Private Thornton was a member of a motorized patrol which was on a probing mission deep inside enemy lines. The patrol was ambushed by a large enemy force and, subjected to intense fire from commanding ground, was compelled to abandon vehicles and withdraw to high ground. Private Thornton, fully exposed to wither enemy fire, remained behind manning a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a vehicle. Fearlessly engaging the attacking enemy he kept them pinned down while the patrol, under his screen of fire, maneuvered to high ground and formed a defensive perimeter. His machine gun was destroyed by a direct hit. He then made his way toward the patrol, engaging the enemy in hand-to-hand combat and killing at least two of them. Before he reached the perimeter, he was struck by enemy grenade fire and fell mortally wounded. The gallantry and selfless devotion to his comrades displayed by Private Thornton reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.