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 B. Lange, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 3 June 1944 in Italy. On that date the forward unit of his regimental command post, in pursuit of the enemy, suddenly came under fire. Exposed to small arms fire and heavy concentrations of artillery for 12 hours, Private Lange remained with his vehicle, then safety retrieved it, thereby preventing capture of the vehicle which contained message center equipment, secret code devises and signal operations equipment of high value to the enemy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.