The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Donald E. Hennie (MCSN: 431753), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Cape Torokina Area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands on 22 December 1945. Skillfully leading his machine gun section to a strategic position in line with Japanese entrenchments, Corporal Hennie directed the placing of his weapons with courageous determination under intense hostile rifle and machine gun fire until he was severely wounded in the face and shoulder by the explosion of a hand grenade. After receiving first aid, he refused to be evacuated and, despite the acute pain, carried on for seven hours in directing the fire of his guns against the enemy. By his extreme bravery and steadfast devotion to duty, Corporal Hennie successfully completed his hazardous mission and his gallant conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.