The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Donald W. Castania (MCSN: 2428331), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Assistant Patrol Leader with Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 February 1969, a seven-man reconnaissance team was heli-lifted to secure a landing zone for the subsequent insertion of a Marine unit to conduct operations along the southern edge of the Demilitarized Zone. As the aircraft landed at the designated area, Lance Corporal Castania, followed by two other Marines, jumped from the helicopter to provide security for the remainder of the team and immediately came under intense hostile fire from well-camouflaged bunkers located on both sides of the landing zone. Although critically wounded and paralyzed from the chest down by an enemy round, Lance Corporal Castania rapidly assessed the situation and, realizing the imminent danger to the aircraft and its crew and passengers, completely disregarded his own serous injury as he boldly delivered rapid and highly effective machine gun fire against the enemy positions until he lapsed into unconsciousness. As a result of his valiant efforts and extremely accurate fire which killed three of the hostile soldiers, the enemy fire was suppressed sufficiently to allow the helicopter to land, embark the three Marines, and depart the hazardous area. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in preventing the loss of a valuable aircraft and saving the lives of its passengers. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Castania upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.