The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Don C. DeForest (NSN: 0-83052), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Task Group 95.6 while engaged in operations in enemy mined waters and in areas subjected to enemy gunfire during the period 10 to 31 October 1950. When a minesweeper was mined in an adjacent area he took personal charge of a rescue boat and proceeded into heavily mined waters and effected the rescue of all surviving personnel. At a later date he proceeded alone into an area not cleared of enemy snipers and obtained intelligence information essential to the operations then being conducted. His inspiring leadership and professional competence contributed directly to the successful accomplishment of the mission of the Task Group and to the successful clearance of mine free channels and anchorage areas off Wonsan, Korea. His loyalty and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.