The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Donald M. Shelmon (MCSN: 349105), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a Machine un Squad serving with the First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 16 September 1944. When a previously undisclosed Japanese machine gun opened fire directly on his gun crew’s position and killed two of the men during an attempt by his squad to neutralize hostile weapons which were inflicting heavy casualties on the company, Corporal Shelmon unhesitatingly rushed to man the gun and, completely disregarding his personal safety in the face of intense, persistent enemy fire, courageously remained at his perilous station until he himself was mortally wounded. By his splendid initiative and indomitable fighting spirit, Corporal Shelmon contributed in a large measure to the success of his company’s attack, and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.