The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant Donald W. Harper (ASN: 20702569), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 4 February 1945, in the vicinity of Kunheim, France. During an attack, in which the enemy used artillery, mortar, and small arms fire, the company commander, last remaining officer, was wounded. Sergeant Harper, without regard for his own safety, moved among his command, directing the regroupment of his platoons away from the barrage, the removal of dead and wounded, and personally assisting in evacuating twenty-six casualties. For nine hours, until a replacement officer could arrive, Sergeant Harper executed all the duties and leadership of a company commander in a superior manner. Sergeant Harper’s display of individual courage and utter disregard for his personal safety reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.