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 B. Coleson (ASN: 37422077), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Engineer Combat Battalion, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. Sergeant Coleson was leading a six-man mine detector team in direct support of attacking tanks and infantry during the advance through the Cagayan Valley on 1 June 1945, when one of our tanks was hit by fire from concealed enemy tanks. The exploding ammunition in the damaged tank temporarily blinded Sergeant Coleson and rendered him unconscious. Upon recovering, he saw a comrade lying on the road seriously shocked, and wounded. Despite the intense heat and continued explosions, he immediately went to the rescue and dragged the casualty to a shallow ditch by the roadside. The Japanese then began placing intense fire on the two men. However, Sergeant Coleson courageously dragged the injured man along the ditch, shielding him with his own body to prevent further wounds, until he reached the safety of a friendly tank. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.