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 Thomas Murphy (ASN: OF-107866), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 31 March 1969. Captain Murphy distinguished himself while serving as Company Commander of Company D, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, while on a reconnaissance in force mission in Nam Hoa District, Republic of Vietnam. Following two days of repeated short engagements with a North Vietnamese Army force occupying a series of fortifications in rugged and nearly inaccessible mountains, Captain Murphy maneuvered his company against the principal enemy positions. Dug in on a steep ridge, the North Vietnamese forces stopped all attempts to close on their location. Captain Murphy, although wounded during an engagement on the previous night, deployed his Third Platoon in a frontal advance to engage the enemy from an adjacent ridge line. Wounded again in this maneuver, he continued to press the offensive and directed his Second Platoon to flank the North Vietnamese by negotiating a steep ravine and approaching from the enemy rear. The maneuver demanded careful and accurate coordination of supporting fire to prevent friendly casualties. Despite his grave condition, he directed the intricate maneuver, meticulously shifting his supporting fire to enable the Second Platoon to flank and eventually overrun the enemy. Captain Murphy’s 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.