The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Donald C. Vaughn (ASN: RA-14312142), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Private First Class Vaughn distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chupari, Korea, on 8 July 1951. On that date, Private Vaughn was a scout with the lead squad of Company A, which was on a reconnaissance patrol to determine the strength and disposition of the enemy. Upon contacting the enemy, the lead squad immediately assaulted the hostile outpost and succeeded in neutralizing it. As the company moved forward to the base of their primary objective and another squad advanced to accomplish the next phase of the mission, Private Vaughn volunteered to go with them in their assault. As Private Vaughn reached higher ground, he observed that the hitherto hidden enemy platoons were moving out in a flanking movement aimed at encircling the friendly forces. Immediate, He ordered the patrol back and took up an exposed position to cover their withdrawal. Although his position was subjected to a deadly a crossfire from the enemy, Private Vaughn succeeded in pinning down the hostile forces with his intense and accurate rifle fire long enough for his comrades to reach safety before he was hit and mortally wounded. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Private First Class Vaughn on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.