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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Donald H. Ayscue, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 6 September 1969, while serving as a Machinegunner with Troop F, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Troop F had established a night defensive position when it came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire from an estimated company of North Vietnamese soldiers. Reacting instantly, Private First Class Ayscue returned fire with his machinegun, helping to neutralize several positions. When his vehicle was helping to provide illumination for the MEDEVAC ships, Private First Class Ayscue spotted an enemy machinegun emplacement less than fifteen meters away. He quickly stood on top of his vehicle, exposing himself to the intense fire, and eliminated the enemy with his personal weapon. Private First Class Ayscue’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.