The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Hugh G. Donaldson (ASN: 0-367970), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Benestroff, France, on 19 November 1944. On the morning of 19 November 1944, the 3d Battalion, 104th Infantry Regiment, launched an attack on strong enemy defensive positions before the town of Benestroff. Pushing fearlessly through a thickly-sewn enemy minefield under intense hostile artillery, mortar, an d nebelwerfer fire, Lieutenant Colonel Donaldson, Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, advanced with his leading assault rifle company and skillfully directed the movement of the remainder of his forces by radio. The radio operator, walking a few paces to the rear of Lieutenant Colonel Donaldson, set off a booby-trap and was instantly killed by the explosion. Although wounded in the left jaw by a pellet from the booby-trap and hurled violently to the ground by the force of the explosion, Lieutenant Colonel Donaldson refused evacuation and, after receiving temporary first aid treatment, calmly issued orders for the clearing of the enemy mine field so that supplies and reserve troops could be brought forward safety. He then continued on with the assault company through a wooded area under deadly artillery tree bursts and directed the unit in breaching the enemy defenses to successful enter Benestroff. His superior leadership, aggressive spirit, and strong devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Donaldson and the Armed Forces of the United States..