The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Donald Ludwig Mushik (ASN: 0-1140106), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Forward Observer with Battery B, 169th Field Artillery Battalion, 43d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 23 July 1943, while supporting an infantry salient which had penetrated Japanese positions and was exposed to fire from three direction on Horseshoe Mountain, New Georgia, Solomon Islands. Lieutenant Mushik boldly went forward for better observation and at an unprotected point became the target for heavy enemy fire. His telephone wires were twice shot out. Four mortar shells dropped within fifteen feet of him and one other burst in a tree directly over his head. Although wounded by shell fragments, he repaired the telephone lines and defiantly stood on a log seventy-five yards from hostile lines to direct artillery fire. The Japanese then shelled his position with a dual-purpose gun and also subjected him to machine-gun fire. His lines against were severed and his radio was struck, but he completed his mission by using infantry communications. His persistent efforts neutralized two all-out enemy attacks. Lieutenant Mushik, after accurately adjusting fourteen artillery concentrations, was ordered to the rear for medical attention. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 43d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.