The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Donald R. Kurtz (MCSN: 559802), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Wireman in Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, on 21 May 1945. When the communications lines were damaged during a heavy enemy mortar and artillery barrage, Private Kurtz courageously inched his way through the intense fire to repair the lines. Although painfully wounded when hit by bursting shell fragments, he bravely continued to restore the damaged lines until he lost consciousness and had to be evacuated. By his daring initiative, undaunted determination and unswerving devotion to duty, Private Kurtz contributed materially to the successful maintenance of communication facilities and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.