The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Donald L. Huston (MCSN: 0-13968), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of a Rifle Company attached to the Second Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on 20 February 1945. Volunteering to lead a patrol beyond his own lines to investigate a report that Japanese tanks were threatening his battalion zone of action, First Lieutenant Huston quickly organized his part and, boldly penetrating heavily fortified enemy territory despite the hazards of hostile attack, total darkness and intercepting fire from his own troops, advance under intense enemy fire to a strategic point of observation and conducted an alert and thorough reconnaissance of the surrounding area. Undaunted by the unabated volume of Japanese fire, he skillfully made his way back to his company position and submitted a full and accurate report of his findings to his battalion commander. By his dauntless courage, inspiring leadership and resourceful initiative, First Lieutenant Huston rendered invaluable assistance in gathering vital information for higher echelon and his valiant devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.