The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Donald L. Jakovac (MCSN: 2337678), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours on 2 February 1968, the Cam Lo District Headquarters came under heavy artillery, mortar and recoilless rifle fire followed by a well coordinated ground attack by a numerically superior enemy force. Despite wounds received in both arms during the initial moments of the attack, Private First Class Jakovac refused medical aid for himself and unhesitatingly moved to his defensive position where he began delivering a heavy volume of effective fire against the assaulting force. Alertly observing a concentrated effort by the enemy to penetrate a sector of his unit’s perimeter on his right flank, he completely disregarded his own safety as he left his covered position and braved intense hostile fire to move to the point of heaviest contact. Observing several enemy soldiers crossing the defensive wire, Private First Class Jakovac displayed exceptional courage and presence of mind as he remained exposed to enemy fire to throw hand grenades and deliver accurate rifle fire against the attackers. As a result of his fearless and aggressive action, he was instrumental in forcing the hostile force to break contact. Observing several enemy soldiers crossing the defensive wire, Private First Class Jakovac displayed exceptional courage and presence of mind as he remained exposed to enemy fire to throw hand grenades and deliver accurate rifle fire against the attackers. As a result of his fearless and aggressive action, he was instrumental in forcing the hostile force to break contact and withdraw, undoubtedly preventing his sector of the perimeter from being penetrated. His dauntless courage and bold initiative inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in repulsing the attackers, accounting for 144 enemy confirmed killed, 100 probable killed, the capture of thirty-eight soldiers and confiscation of numerous weapons and items of equipment. By his determined fighting spirit, resolute determination and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk, Private First Class Jakovac upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.