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 (Army Award) to Captain Donald Lee Hutchinson, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 504th Tactical Air Support Group, Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, in action near the Special Forces Camp of Dak To, Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 22 June 1967, from 0730 hours to 1600 hours. At 0658 hours on that date, Company A, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate), made contact with at least a battalion-size enemy force. Captain Hutchinson expended the ordnance of seven flights of fighters and a flight of helicopter gunships against the hostile forces in support of this company during 7 hours of the 9-hour-long battle that resulted. Captain Hutchinson sorted out an extremely confused ground situation while under heavy hostile fire and, with complete disregard for his own safety, prevented the overrunning of Company A by his excellent target location and fire direction. This battle resulted in an estimated four hundred and seventy-five enemy dead of whom a great many were due to the aerial firepower directed by Captain Hutchinson. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Hutchinson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.