The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Donn C. Hart (MCSN: 0-5116), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Twenty-second Marines (Reinforced), Fifth Amphibious Corps, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands on 19 February 1944. Landing with his team in the initial assault waves under heavy hostile machine gun and sniper fire, Lieutenant Colonel Hart fearlessly exposed himself to terrific barrages, directed the disposition of his units for assault against enemy forces and, by the skillful employment of his troops and weapons, contributed to the annihilation of the Japanese and the capture of the entire Island in approximately six hours. His cool courage under fire, brilliant leadership and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.