The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Donald O. Radke (MCSN: 324426), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of Headquarters and Service Company, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 4 December 1950. With the battalion subjected to heavy enemy machine gun and small arms fire from high ground during an attack along the main road between Yudam-ni and Hagaru-ri, Staff Sergeant Radke volunteered to lead an infantry platoon in outposting critical terrain features on the route of advance. When the platoon was pinned down by a well-concealed enemy force employing machine guns, hand grenades and small arms, he continually exposed himself to accurate hostile fire and boldly moved among his men to set up a base of return fire. Leading two of his squads, he carried out an aggressive assault against the enemy, inflicting severe casualties among them and seizing the vital terrain feature, thereby materially aiding the main force of the convoy in continuing its advance. By his marked courage, daring leadership and unswerving devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Radke served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.