The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Don Winslow Allen (MCSN: 2083773), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 July 1966. Corporal Allen was the point man on a combat patrol, north of Cam Lo, near the Task Force Delta Headquarters during Operation HASTINGS. Coming over the crest of a small hill, he observed the lead element of a twenty-four man North Vietnamese Army patrol moving along a trail toward the rest of his squad. The enemy was heavily armed with small arms, automatic weapons and 60-mm. mortars and outnumbered his squad two to one. Realizing that there was not enough time to deploy the entire patrol, he motioned the nearest two men into an ambush position and waited for the enemy to approach. Triggering the ambush with a burst of fire from his own weapon, he killed the first two North Vietnamese regulars in the column and placed heavy fire upon the rest. By this time, his patrol leader had deployed the remaining members of his squad and a heavy firefight ensued. When one enemy soldier attempted to escape, he rushed forward, knocking him down with his rifle and shot him. Retreating to a nearby hill, the enemy reorganized and began to fire their mortars. Undaunted, Corporal Allen pushed aggressively forward, searching the immediate area for additional enemy. Suddenly, a grenade exploded to his front, wounding him in the neck and leg. Despite his pain, he returned the fire and threw grenades at the enemy positions. Although a second enemy grenade exploded, wounding him in the face, he gallantly continued to bring fire on the enemy. Firing his weapon continuously, he moved, with the aid of the patrol leader, through a barrage of mortar shells to friendly positions. By his initiative, aggressiveness and courageous fighting spirit, Corporal Allen undoubtedly prevented a destructive enemy mortar attack on the Task Force Headquarters and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.