The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Donald Francis Myers (MCSN: 1277825), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.). Participating in Operation DEWEY CANYON on the night of 22 February 1969, Staff Sergeant Myers was leading a patrol in the A Shau Valley near the Laotian border when his unit came under a heavy enemy mortar and small arms attack. Although severely wounded during the initial onslaught, Staff Sergeant Myers steadfastly refused medical attention and continued to expose himself to the enemy fire while moving from position to position to care for the other wounded men and to rally and reorganize his forces. Under his superb leadership, his men succeeded in fighting their way back to the relative security of the company perimeter, bringing with them all of their casualties. Staff Sergeant Myers’ valiant efforts in the face of overwhelming odds reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
SergeantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
9th MarinesDivision:
3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
February 13, 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Donald Francis Myers (MCSN: 1277825), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 13 February 1969, during Operation DEWEY CANYON, Company C came under an intense mortar attack followed by a ground assault with rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire. The brunt of the onslaught struck Sergeant Myers’ platoon and weakened that sector of the perimeter. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Sergeant Myers exposed himself to the hostile fire as he moved from one position to another to consolidate the defense, encourage and direct his men and assist in evacuating the casualties. When one position was threatened by a heavy concentration of fire, he boldly moved to the area and held the enemy off until reinforcements arrived and strengthened the gap. Although he had been knocked to the ground twice by impacting mortars and suffered a concussion, Sergeant Myers personally carried a seriously wounded Marine from the line of fire to a secure position and continued to direct the fire of his men until the enemy broke contact and withdrew and all casualties had been evacuated. His intrepid fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, dynamic leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Sergeant Myers upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.