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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Donovan Swanton (ASN: 0-5314), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 51st Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, on 22 January 1942. While personally leading an attack near Abucay Hacienda, Bataan, Colonel Swanton was severely wounded in the leg when his inexperienced troops prematurely exposed themselves, drawing heavy enemy rifle, mortar, and automatic weapons fire. Being the only American officer in the unit and no one present capable of taking command, he refused to be relieved or evacuated until his troops were disposed in defensive
positions and the situation reported to his division commander. Through his
gallant leadership, complete disregard for personal safety, and unremitting
devotion to duty, Colonel Swanton prevented the probable annihilation of his
command and made a conspicuous contribution to the heroic defense of Bataan. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Swanton, 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.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippines & Manchuria)

    Action Date:

    April 1942 – August 1945

    Colonel (Infantry) Donovan Swanton (ASN: 0-5314), United States Army, was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Bataan, Philippine Islands, in April 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until the end of hostilities in August 1945.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    8th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Regiment:

    30th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    August 9 – 10, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 9 (August 1, 1920)

    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) Donovan Swanton (ASN: 0-5314), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of a Machine-Gun Company of the 8th Machine-Gun Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action on the Vesle, France, 9 – 10 August 1918, while reorganizing his company under heavy enemy fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Swanton, 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    51st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    Philippine Scouts

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Donovan Swanton (ASN: 0-5314), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 51st Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), in action against the enemy in the defense of Bataan, Philippine Islands, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Swanton, 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    8th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Regiment:

    30th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    August 9 – 10, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Donovan Swanton (ASN: 0-5314), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of a Machine-Gun Company of the 8th Machine-Gun Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in the initial attack on the Bois de Foret, France, on 14 October 1918. Captain Swanton reconnoitered, under heavy fire from the enemy, the front of our advanced positions. Through the knowledge gained and by his excellent judgment and coolness under fire, his company gained its objectives with minimum losses. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Swanton, 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.