The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Donald G. Probst (MCSN: 506520), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Marine Raider Battalion during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area on November 9, 1943. While his platoon was engaged in the defense of a vital road block on Bougainville Island, Private First Class Probst from a shallow foxhole was delivering effective fire against the main vanguard of the enemy who, in fanatical determination to annihilate the Marine unit kept up a merciless barrage of fire from machine guns and mortar grenades. Although painfully wounded by an explosion which had killed his companion, he sought out and destroyed hostile targets with his automatic rifle and rendered invaluable assistance to his commanding officer in directing the fire of his platoon. His courageous initiative and relentless fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.