The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Donald E. Long (MCSN: 2222600), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Anti-tank Assaultman with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 February 1968, Company G was assaulting a well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force occupying buildings in the Yacht Club area in the city of Hue. As the unit maneuvered forward, the Marines began receiving a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons and rocket fire, and the lead elements were pinned down. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Private First Class Long unhesitatingly exposed himself to the enemy fire and fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept street to the clubhouse. Disregarding his own safety, he climbed to an advantageous position on the roof of the building and, ignoring the enemy fire impacting around him, began delivering suppressive 3.5 inch Rocket Launcher fire upon the hostile machine gun and sniper emplacements. Although his position received a direct hit from an enemy anti-tank rocket round and he was knocked down by the blast of the round, he immediately stood up, moved to another position and resumed firing his rocket launcher. When he had expended all of his ammunition, he quickly obtained additional rounds and continued to deliver accurate rocket launcher fire on the enemy emplacements, suppressing the enemy fire and enabling his unit to advance toward its objective. His heroic actions and aggressive fighting spirit were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Long upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.