The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Donald Hinson (MCSN: 1474530), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 11 March 1969, during Operation PURPLE MARTIN, Company G was moving toward its objective, Hill 477, two miles northwest of Fire Support Base NEVILLE, when the Marines came under intense automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. When the forward elements became pinned down and had sustained several casualties, Staff Sergeant Hinson was directed to move forward with a reserve force to assist the Marines that were in contact with the enemy. Responding immediately, he quickly moved his platoon to the area of the fire fight, and then repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire as he moved from one position to another, directing the fire of his men and shouting words of encouragement. When he was informed that a Marine casualty was lying in a dangerously exposed area forward of the friendly lines, Staff Sergeant Hinson fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain, throwing grenades as he advanced, and, with the aid of another Marine, was successful in retrieving the casualty. After returning to his platoon’s position, he sustained a serious wound, but steadfastly refused medical treatment and assisted the other casualties. Only after all his men had returned to friendly lines and all the other evacuees were aboard medical evacuation helicopters, did Staff Sergeant Hinson agree to be evacuated. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in defeating the enemy force. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Staff Sergeant Hinson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.