The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant William R. Donnelly, Jr. (MCSN: 0-101619), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 February 1968, during Operation HUE CITY, three Marines moved forward of their unit’s defensive perimeter to retrieve a mortally wounded comrade when they suddenly came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and rocket fire from a well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force. The initial burst of fire seriously wounded all the men and pinned them down. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Second Lieutenant Donnelly unhesitatingly ran to the aid of the injured men. Disregarding the hostile fire around him, he picked up one of the Marines and carried him to a covered position. Successfully evacuating a second Marine, he returned to the hazardous area a third time and picked up the remaining injured man. Although wounded by fragments from an exploding enemy round, he ignored his painful injury and continued his determined efforts until he reached a covered position. By his courage, unfaltering determination and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Second Lieutenant Donnelly saved the lives of the wounded Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.