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 (Cavalry) Donald Hearl (ASN: 0-315739), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 5th Armored Division, in action against the enemy in France, on 1 September 1944. Captain Hearl, exposing himself to enemy mortar, artillery, and small arms fire, went forward in his one-quarter-ton vehicle to within five feet of two tanks which had been hit and were burning, in order to rescue the wounded from the tanks. His courageous and heroic action saved five men, one vehicle, and insured the continued advance of the main body by his reporting of enemy positions as they fired at the tanks from which he was trying to rescue the crews. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Hearl, 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.