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 Private Donald C. Hegstad (ASN: 37465217), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, on 6 August 1943. When determined enemy resistance retarded his platoon’s advance. Private Hegstad ignored extremely heavy machine gun, mortar, and small arms fire and assumed a firing position within close range of the enemy. Although mortally wounded in this engagement, his gallant action materially assisted his organization in its decisive defeat of the enemy. Private Hegstad’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.