The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Donald M. Rait, Jr. (MCSN: 0-102223), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Late on the afternoon of 16 May 1968, First Lieutenant Rait’s platoon was leading a two-company movement from the Khe Sanh Combat Base to Hill 689 when the Marines suddenly came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force and sustained numerous casualties. Reacting instantly, he maneuvered his men to advantageous positions and directed accurate suppressive fire on the hostile force. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, he assisted in the evacuation of several casualties and directed devastating supporting arms fire against the enemy automatic weapons and mortar emplacements. Upon learning that a relief force would not immediately be able to reach his location, First Lieutenant Rait deployed his squads in a defensive perimeter and ensured that all of his injured men were moved to positions of relative safety. Realizing that he would not be able to extract all of his casualties while conducting a withdrawal under fire, he fearlessly elected to remain in his position. When a relief force subsequently reached his location under cover of darkness, First Lieutenant Rait ensured that all of his wounded men had been evacuated before he consented to leave the hazardous area. His bold initiative and aggressive fighting spirit inspired all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, superior leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, First Lieutenant Rait upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.