The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Donald A. Weatherholtz (MCSN: 1463029), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 April 1968, elements of Company D were moving to assist a friendly unit that was pinned down by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force northwest of Con Thien and had sustained numerous casualties. Upon approaching the beleaguered unit, Staff Sergeant Weatherholtz launched an aggressive attack on the hostile emplacements. As the Marines maneuvered forward, they came under intense automatic weapons fire from an enemy bunker. Reacting instantly, Staff Sergeant Weatherholtz and another man fearlessly moved across the fire-swept terrain to the position and killed seven North Vietnamese soldiers occupying the emplacement. Subsequently, his unit was deployed to provide covering fire for other Marines moving forward to evacuate casualties. Alertly observing several North Vietnamese soldiers attempting to encircle the maneuvering unit, he immediately directed a heavy volume of accurate fire upon the enemy force. Throughout the engagement, he unhesitatingly moved about the hazardous area, pinpointing the hostile positions and skillfully directing the fire of his men. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Staff Sergeant Weatherholtz upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.