The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class [then Private] Donald D. Elshire (ASN: 37773166), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 80th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945. When the tank in which he was gunner was struck by enemy artillery, Private First Class Elshire escaped and found cover in a nearby house. From that point he saw the tank commander lying wounded near the burning vehicle. He left the safety of his position and under constant small rams fire, removed the wounded officer to a position of safety. There, surrounded by enemy, he remained for eleven hours to care for the officer until advancing troops relieved him. His devotion to duty and heroism in the face of enemy fire reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.