The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Donald Lee Price (MCSN: 0-82924), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving in connection with operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 April 1972. Major Price was serving as Senior Advisor to the FIFTH Vietnamese Marine Corps Infantry Battalion during combat operations in the enemy-held Hai Lang Jungle of Quang Tri Province. The battalion encountered a North Vietnamese Regiment which launched repeated human wave assaults supported by intensive artillery, mortar and recoilless rifle fires in an effort to destroy the FIFTH Battalion. The battalion was forced to withdraw after the enemy assault had successfully fragmented it. Although suffering from wounds received the previous day, Major Price helped to carry the wounded in evacuating the fire-swept area. Realizing the critical nature of the situation, he moved to a vantage position where in full view of the enemy he displayed an air panel to mark the front lines of the friendly forces. He requested and received United States air support assets. With the enemy fifty meters from his exposed position, he briefed the forward air controller on the tactical situation and oriented him on the terrain. Based on Major Price’s accurate observation under the most demanding circumstances, the aircraft were able to drop their ordnance in the midst of the attacking formations causing heavy casualties and halting the enemy assault. He then moved to another exposed position and directed air strikes on enemy units that were blocking the attempted link-up of the FIFTH Battalion units. Although his new position was quickly discovered and subjected to mortar fire, he never wavered from his mission and the route was opened for the link-up of the battalion elements. There were numerous serious friendly casualties including the Assistant Battalion Advisor who needed immediate medical evacuation. Major Price unhesitatingly accompanied a small force which cleared the landing zone of enemy forces. He then twice exposed himself to enemy fire by standing in the middle of the landing zone holding a strobe light to guide the helicopter which had to make two night flights into the zone. He was twice directed to leave the area because of his wounds and near exhaustion, but steadfastly refused because he felt he was needed to assist his unit in its night defensive position. Major Price’s repeated acts of heroism, devotion to duty, courage under fire and exemplary professionalism were an inspiration to his Vietnamese comrades and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.