Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    January 30, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Guy Thomas McDonald (MCSN: 1998534), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company H, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 January 1968, Sergeant McDonald was in charge of a squad-size security team guarding a vital bridge in the Truoi River Valley. During the early morning hours, his unit came under intense small arms, automatic weapons, mortar and rocket attack by an estimated two companies of North Vietnamese Army soldiers. Although seriously wounded during the initial moments of the attack and weak from the loss of blood, Sergeant McDonald refused medical aid and steadfastly continued to direct his outnumbered force in defending the bridge. Despite the heavy volume of enemy fire, he unhesitatingly moved from one position to another, encouraging his men and directing their fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continually placed himself in the most forward and exposed positions to accurately adjust artillery fires on the attacking forces. When the enemy attempted to penetrate the protective wire around his defenses, he courageously ran to the area of heaviest attack and boldly stood firing his weapon and throwing hand grenades until he had killed approximately fifteen North Vietnamese Army soldiers and forced the remainder to withdraw. Inspired by his aggressive fighting spirit and resolute determination, his men bravely withstood repeated attacks by massed enemy forces until a relief unit arrived and the enemy withdrew. Despite his serious wounds and weakened condition, he continued to refuse assistance until all of his men were treated and evacuated. By his dauntless courage, bold leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great peril, Sergeant McDonald upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.