The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Donald P. Willett (MCSN: 1129323), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 October 1952. When the platoon’s defense perimeter of the outpost was penetrated by numerically superior enemy troops, forcing the unit to begin a withdrawal to the main line of resistance under a fierce barrage of hostile artillery, grenade and small arms fire, Corporal Willett courageously removed his machine gun from its mount and carried it in his bare hands to positions where he could bring devastating fire to bear on the fanatical enemy. Although completely exposed to hostile fire, and suffering painful hand burns from the overheated machine gun, he steadfastly remained in his hazardous position to cover the withdrawal of the platoon, inflicting numerous casualties upon the hostile troops until he, himself, was wounded and forced to leave with the rear guard. His outstanding leadership, skill and cool courage in the face of overwhelming odds reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Willett and the United States Naval Service.