The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Donald William Allen (MCSN: 2337744), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 April 1968, during Operation JASPER SQUARE, Lance Corporal Allen’s unit was conducting a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province when the Marines suddenly came under intense small arms, grenade launcher and mortar fire from a large Viet Cong force. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Allen unhesitatingly left his covered position and assaulted the hostile emplacements, firing his machine gun. When his weapon failed to fire, he calmly cleared the malfunction and continued his assault upon the enemy position, killing one hostile soldier. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting around him, he provided a heavy volume of covering fire, which enabled his platoon to overrun the hostile force. His heroic action and resolute determination were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, calm professionalism and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Allen upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.