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. Diebold (ASN: 36735597), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 5th Armored Division, in action against the enemy in France, on 7 August 1944. Private Diebold voluntarily and without regard for his own safety, led a platoon of tanks and dismounted through scattered troops to a position from which the tanks were able to put out of action a 20-mm. gun and then under intense enemy machine gun fire he led the tanks into a town to a position from which they were able to put the machine guns out of action. As a result of this action the tank platoon was enabled to take the town from the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Diebold, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.