The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Donald H. Judson (MCSN: 1927194), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Platoon Commander with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 25 May 1968, Staff Sergeant Judson’s platoon was establishing a base of covering fire for another platoon moving toward the village of Nhi Ha (2) in Quang Tri Province. As the Marines were entering the village, they suddenly came under a heavy volume of fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force and sustained numerous casualties, including the platoon commander. Reacting instantly, Staff Sergeant Judson immediately maneuvered his platoon to the beleaguered Marines’ position and took charge of the unit. While he was organizing the two platoons, the hostile force commenced a flanking assault against his position. Disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly exposed himself to the intense North Vietnamese fire and delivered accurate fire with his weapon while shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing their efforts against the enemy, forcing the hostile soldiers to withdraw. Subsequently, when his company attacked the enemy force, Staff Sergeant Judson aggressively led his men in a determined assault which penetrated the hostile positions. Although painfully wounded, he continued his determined efforts and supervised the evacuation of the mortally wounded and injured Marines. His heroic actions and bold leadership inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his company accounting for fifty North Vietnamese soldiers confirmed killed. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Staff Sergeant Judson contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.