The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Donald W. Sharon (MCSN: 0-49870), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Reconnaissance Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, First Provisional Marine Brigade, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 10 August 1950. When his unit was ambushed by a numerically superior hostile force during a company attack, Second Lieutenant Sharon, as advance guard point commander, bravely moved forward and launched a devastating counterattack against the enemy. Fearlessly exposing himself to intense hostile small arms fire, he skillfully pointed out targets and directed the fire of his men, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy and destroying three machine gun emplacements. Later, Second Lieutenant Sharon directed the successful withdrawal of his troops under intense hostile mortar fire, allowing the main body to surge forward into the attack. By his outstanding courage, expert leadership and timely actions, he materially aided in preventing the enemy from inflicting heavy casualties on the main body and served to inspire all who observed him, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.