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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Donald Clay Erbes (ASN: OF-104723), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Erbes distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 31 January and 1 February 1968, while serving as Assistant Battalion Advisor, 2d Airborne Battalion, Airborne Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, Captain Erbes was accompanying the battalion with the mission of attacking a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force which blocked National Highway 1 northwest of Hue City. Captain Erbes, with absolute disregard for his personal safety, moved across 150 meters of fire-swept terrain encouraging the Vietnamese paratroopers onward and inspiring all by his courageous actions. When two enemy soldiers killed his counterpart, Captain Erbes stopped and fired his rifle, killing one soldier and causing he other to flee. Noting an enemy force attempting to envelop the battalion’s left flank, Captain Erbes raced forward through intense fire, moved a small force of paratroopers into position, and from his exposed position valiantly directed their fire onto the attackers, countering their thrust. Returning to the assault line, Captain Erbes on two occasions dragged wounded comrades to safety while voluntarily exposing himself to withering automatic weapons fire. Captain Erbes’ exemplary display of courage in the face of overwhelming odds was instrumental in the defeat of a strong and determined enemy force. Captain Erbes’ conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.