The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Donald Eugene Long (ASN: US-55842328), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company B, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Long distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 April 1967, when his unit became surrounded by a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Withering fire poured in unceasingly upon the friendly position, pinning them down. Specialist Long observed and silenced several enemy weapons, exposing himself repeatedly to automatic and small arms fire. However, his own heavy volume of fire drew the enemy fire to him and he was fatally wounded. Specialist Long’s heroic actions in close combat with a numerically superior hostile force were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.