The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Donald E. Gillis, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company D, 19th Engineer Regiment, in action on 22 May 1944, near Terracina, Italy. In order to obtain information on the condition of the road into Terracina, Lieutenant Donald Gillis and Private Leslie Cady reconnoitered on foot 600 yards ahead of our troops through a demolished defile that led into a strong enemy position. At the entrance of Terracina they discovered a mine field and started back to warn approaching tanks. At this point enemy small arms, rocket, and mortar fire pinned them down. Crawling under the first tank that came up, Lieutenant Gillis and Private Cady entered it through the escape hatch and assisted the crew in returning enemy fire. The tank eventually suffered a direct hit by an anti-tank rocket and withdrew, firing as it went. Lieutenant Gillis and Private Cady then left the tank to recover a motorcycle but had to abandon the attempt because of heavy fire. Entering another tank, the returned with the information they had obtained, which proved to be of great value in subsequent action. Lieutenant Gillis’ gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.