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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) Donald W. Derrah (ASN: OF-100582), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 1 February 1968. Captain Derrah distinguished himself while serving as Troop Commander with Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. At approximately 1100 hours, Troop L was assigned the mission of searching a village adjacent to the area of ARVN III Corps Headquarters in cooperation with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Shortly after the troop moved into the main part of the village, they began to receive heavy automatic weapons fire. The Troop Commander deployed his Troop on line with Cavalry Platoons and one Tank Platoon to assist the infantry troops who were in danger of being trapped by enemy fire and collapsing buildings. Captain Derrah’s assault vehicle came under heavy small arms fire as it moved to the center platoon. His Track Commander was hit almost immediately putting both vehicle and Troop control under Captain Derrah. While guiding his unit in returning suppressive fire, Captain Derrah manned an M-60 Machine gun and opened fire on the Viet Cong positions killing 7 Viet Cong. After insuring that all the infantry personnel had withdrawn to a less exposed location, he continued to direct he fire of his Troop until the vehicles were in danger of being trapped by the burning buildings. At this time, Captain Derrah withdrew his troop inside the III Corps compound across the street. Captain Derrah then immediately returned to the scene of the firefight and joined a 10-man patrol. As the patrol fanned out to cover the area, Captain Derrah spotted two men that were pinned down by intense fire. Without regard for his own personal safety, he rushed through the hostile fire and took up a position from which he could lay down suppressive fire. His defensive action enabled the friendly unit to inflict heavy casualties upon the Viet Cong. Captain Derrah’s professional skill, deep concern for the welfare of his comrades and personal bravery are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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 Captain (Armor) Donald W. Derrah (ASN: OF-100582), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Derrah distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 March 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer of Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, on a reconnaissance in force mission in conjunction with elements of the 25th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam Division near Hiep Hoa, Vietnam. When the lead elements of the allied force encountered and became engaged in combat with a battalion sized Viet Cong force, Captain Derrah unhesitatingly deployed his troop against the enemy. Captain Derrah professionally took command of the entire allied force when the commanding officer of the supporting tank company became seriously wounded. After positioning himself between his unit and the tank company Captain Derrah courageously led the assault on the insurgent fortifications. Despite continuous exposure to hostile fire, Captain Derrah maintained his vulnerable position atop his armored cavalry assault vehicle and was instrumental in the death of 57 Viet Cong. Captain Derrah’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.