The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Donald A. Vogelgesang (MCSN: 0-92012), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company H, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 7 October 1966. During a company size search and destroy operation northwest of Dong Ha, Second Lieutenant Vogelgesang and his platoon suddenly received a heavy volume of fire from a well concealed platoon of North Vietnamese Regulars. The initial enemy fire inflicted nine Marine casualties, one of them Second Lieutenant Vogelgesang. Although painfully wounded he courageously continued to direct the fire and maneuver of his squads. Upon being informed that all of his machine gunners were wounded except one and realizing the critical need for effective covering fire for the platoon’s assault on the enemy position, Second Lieutenant Vogelgesang personally manned a machine gun. In large measure due to his heroic act, the platoon was successful in routing the enemy. Following the defeat of the enemy, Second Lieutenant Vogelgesang continued to disregard his own wound to skillfully organize the evacuation of the casualties. He selflessly refused evacuation for himself until all others had been evacuated. By his inspiring leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Vogelgesang upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.