The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Donald Ray Alexander (ASN: US-55402822), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Alexander distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 21 March 1969 while serving as a squad leader with the first platoon of Company C, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, Specialist Alexander’s squad was conducting a combat sweep of a suspected hostile mortar site near Tien Phouc when it came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from an enemy force of undetermined size. Although critically wounded during the initial burst of fire, Specialist Alexander maneuvered through the enemy barrage to the base of his squad. Taking command of the situation, he moved his squad into a defensive position and directed his men to place heavy volumes of suppressive fire on the enemy forces. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Specialist Alexander radioed for reinforcements while continuing to keep the enemy contained with effectively placed fire. Through his initiative and leadership, he was successful in keeping the numerically superior enemy force pinned down until relief arrived. Specialist Fourth Class Alexander’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.