The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Donald W. Hescock (MCSN: 242793), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 26 February 1969, during Operation Dewey Canyon, Private First Class Hescock’s platoon was moving to attack Hill 1044 near the A Shau Valley when the Marines came under intense rocket-propelled grenade, small arms, and automatic weapons fire which originated from several well-concealed hostile bunkers. In the initial burst of fire, the rear element of the platoon was pinned down and several Marines were wounded. Reacting instantly, Private First Class Hescock fearlessly led his men forward as his squad launched a determined assault against the enemy positions causing several secondary explosions in hostile ammunition storage areas. Unhesitatingly maneuvering his fire team from one bunker to another, he effectively silenced the fire from the hostile emplacements, and destroyed one bunker whose occupants’ fire had pinned down an adjacent Marine platoon. As the final assault on the enemy stronghold began, Private First Class Hescock moved to within ten meters of the hostile position to throw grenades at the enemy and then boldly led his team up the hill as part of the platoon assault force, shouting encouragement to his men and directing their fire as they advanced. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in enabling the Marines to ultimately overrun the hostile position. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Hescock upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.