The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Donald S. Latray (ASN: 39616561), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 25 January 1945 in Luxembourg. On that date, Staff Sergeant Latray, a rifle squad leader, assumed command of his platoon in the absence of the other commanders and led it in an assault on enemy positions near Drauffel, Luxembourg. In the initial stages of the attack the platoon was subjected to heavy machine gun and small arms fire. Although wounded in the leg by machine gun fire, Staff Sergeant Latray led his men forward in the assault and even though receiving a second wound he would not allow himself to be evacuated until the mission was attained and consolidated. Staff Sergeant Latray’s courage, aggressive and able leadership, and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.