The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Donald L. Clites (ASN: 37678769), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 90th Infantry Division in Northern France. On 26 July 1944 in the vicinity of the ****, River, when his company had succeeded in reaching its objective after very heavy fighting it sustained exceptionally heavy casualties. The position was under extremely heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire. During this action, Sergeant Clites crossed an open field to reach wounded comrades whom he helped evacuate to the battalion aid station. He then made two trips through a fire-swept zone to replenish his unit with rocket ammunition, distributing the ammunition to teams along the line under heavy fire. Following this he took his place in the line and assisted in repelling the attack which had by then became intense. His gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.