The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Donald V. Pepper (ASN: 35015193), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 9 February 1945. When a soldier was wounded and fell in an area exposed to hostile mortar and machine gun fire, Sergeant Pepper immediately went to his assistance. He dashed 40 yards through the fire-swept area to the side of the wounded man, lifted him to his shoulders and carried him to a quarter-ton vehicle which he then drove 75 yards to an aid station. While leaving the vehicle on returning to his platoon, Sergeant Pepper was struck by a mortar fragment and subsequently evacuated. 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.