The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Donald D. Farquhar (MCSN: 0-39519), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, May 11, 1945. When his platoon was momentarily surprised by hostile machine-gun fire from the flanks and rear during an attack against strongly-fortified enemy positions along a strategic ridge, Second Lieutenant Farquhar moved about at the risk of his life in the fire-swept area in order to urge and direct his men in continuing the attack. By his inspiring leadership and coolness under fire, he overcame the temporary disadvantage and, continuing the assault, destroyed several Japanese pillboxes, a fieldpiece and a large number of personnel. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.