The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Samuel G. Donnell, Jr. (MCSN: 1069792), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gun Section Leader of Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 1 September 1951. When the company was subjected to a fierce counterattack immediately upon seizing a strategic hostile position and two of his gunners became casualties during the initial stages of the action, Sergeant Donnell leaped to his feet and delivered devastating fire upon the onrushing enemy at point-blank range, killing three of them and forcing the remainder to retreat. By his exceptional courage, daring initiative and aggressive fighting spirit, Sergeant Donnell served to inspire all who observed him and greatly aided his company in consolidating its position, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.