Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    232d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    42d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 10, 1945

    Headquarters, 42d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 54 (1946)

    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 F. Gage (ASN: 39023459), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 10 April 1945, at Kronungen, Germany. During company I’s attack against Kronungen, Germany, Private Gage was in the lead of the forward elements as first scout. Observing that the bridge on the approaches to the town was set with explosives, he ran through a deadly hail of machine gun and rifle fire in an attempt to reach the structure before the enemy could destroy it. Firing as he ran, he killed several of the riflemen guarding the bridge, only to step on it as the enemy set off their charges. Private Gage’s heroic attempt to keep the bridge intact for our forces reflects great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.