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 First Class Donald Owen Freidinger (ASN: 36569171), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, 6 June 1944. Despite intense enemy machine gun, mortar and artillery fire directed from strongly fortified positions, Private Freidinger courageously worked his way across hazardous beach to an exposed vantage point and, with accurate automatic rifle fire, silenced a hostile installation. In the performance of his gallant deed, Private Freidinger was mortally wounded. His 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.