The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Donald L. Wood (ASN: 0-2018453), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, gallantry in action against the enemy on 23 December 1951 in the vicinity of Chatkol, Korea. On this date Lieutenant Wood was leading a combat patrol whose mission was to drive the enemy from Hill 400, an outpost between the friendly and enemy lines. As the patrol approached the hill, it was met by a large volume of hostile small arms fire and an intense artillery and mortar concentration, inflicting several casualties upon the friendly unit. Lieutenant Wood realized that unless his men moved rapidly through this hail of fire even greater casualties would result and immediately advanced to the most forward position. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he advanced into the hail of enemy fire and began spraying the hostile bunkers with fire from his carbine. Moving from one emplacement to another, he inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy and so inspired the men of his unit that they joined him in the assault. Through his aggressive leadership the hostile positions were completely overrun and the mission successfully completed. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Wood on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.