The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Field Music First Class Donald D. Spencer (MCSN: 970867), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Runner of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 9 May 1945. When the ammunition carrying party which he was guiding to assault elements was subjected to devastating enemy fire and one of the men was seriously wounded, Field Music First Class Spencer braved the intense hostile barrage to go to his assistance. After administering first aid to the casualty, he personally carried him to a defiladed position. Then, still aware of the importance of delivering the ammunition to the front lines, he again exposed himself to fire to retrieve the wounded man’s weapon for him and, having provided him with a means of self defense, continued forward with the carrying party and completed his assigned mission. Field Music First Class Spencer’s coolness under fire and courageous conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.