The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Artillery) Donald W. Murray (ASN: OF-104212), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Murray distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 February 1958, while serving as Artillery Liaison Officer for the 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, during a riverine assault in the vicinity of Vinh Long, Vietnam. From his position in the Command and Control helicopter, which was receiving constant ground fire, Captain Murray directed effective airstrikes, gunship sorties and artillery fire against a well-entrenched Viet Cong main force battalion. He first directed over 1,300 artillery rounds and one air strike in the beaching area and against the front line bunker positions in preparation for the assault. When the riverine force beached and began engaging the enemy at close quarters, Captain Murray continued to direct supporting fire with great precision in order to relieve pressure on the friendly forces and allow them to overrun the enemy stronghold. As the enemy attempted to withdraw, he effectively adjusted artillery and air strikes along the avenues of retreat. Observing a group of 20 to 25 insurgents fleeing across a river to the enemy’s rear, he called in artillery and achieved a direct hit. The fire support, coordinated and directed by Captain Murray, was a key factor in the 3d Battalion’s virtual annihilation of the 857th Viet Cong Main Force Battalion. Captain Murray’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.