The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Donald R. Moschel (ASN: 36312035), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 27th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 7 July 1944. Technician Fifth Grade Moschel was Assistant Driver of a light tank which was ordered out in the early morning of 7 July 1944 to stem the enemy counterattack at Tanapag Harbor, where his tank was knocked out by enemy action behind the enemy lines. He was wounded in this action but evacuated with the rest of the crew under heavy rifle fire. One man was killed and another of his crew wounded in this action. He succeeded in escaping to the rear where he received first aid. Upon arriving at the tank assembly area, he found that additional tanks and crews were desperately needed in the Tanapag sector at once. He volunteered for the second time, although wounded, and went forward as a gunner in a light tank. After severe fighting at Tanapag Harbor, he was again wounded, this time seriously.