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 Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Donald Christie (ASN: 51984198), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 13 June 1969. Sergeant Christie distinguished himself while serving as a Squad Leader with 1st Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 502d Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on a combat operation in the Hau Duc District, Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam. The First Platoon had stopped for a break during a reconnaissance in force operation when one of Sergeant Christie’s positions detected movement to its front. Sergeant Christie and several men went out to investigate the movement. A search of the area revealed nothing, and they returned to their position. A few moments later, they received a heavy volume of automatic fire and several hand grenades. Disregarding his own safety, he used his own body as a shield to protect his men and absorb the fragments from the exploding grenades around his position. His valiant effort cost him his life, and his extraordinary courage was an inspiration to his men, who then repelled the enemy force. His personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.