The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Donald L. Heater (MCSN: 318590), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in combat against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on October 23, 1942. In order to protect a wounded comrade, Private First Class Heater voluntarily took up a position of great danger and, despite heavy Japanese machine gun fire, dauntlessly held the enemy at bat for nearly an hour until his severely injured companion could be removed to a place of safety. Private First Class Heater’s courageous initiative and steadfast loyalty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.