The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Donald B. Hutchens (ASN: 0-413899), United States Army, for gallantry in action in northern France while serving with the 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division. On 6 July 1944 when his company had reached its objective which they were to organize and secure, they encountered very heavy enemy mortar and artillery concentrations. Troops on the flank fell back and the enemy began a counterattack. Captain Hutchins rapidly organized his position and in order to better direct his company, took an exposed position in a tree from which he not only supervise the defense but directed mortar fire to repel the counterattack. When enemy fire clipped off the limb on which you was resting, knocking him to the ground, he immediately climbed back into the tree and continued to direct the fire. Later, he personally went to the right front of the sector being heavily pressed and assisted in repelling the attack by personally throwing hand grenades at the advancing enemy troops. His action was an inspiration to the men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the military spirit.