The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Vincent J. McDonald (ASN: 0-1316309), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 188th Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, on Leyte, Philippine Islands on 25 December 1944. During a reconnaissance, the patrol which First Lieutenant McDonald commanded was pinned down by enemy machine gun fire. Moving forward over fire-swept terrain, First Lieutenant McDonald single-handedly attacked the enemy machine gun position. In the performance of this heroic deed, First Lieutenant McDonald was mortally wounded. His great courage, daring initiative, and keen determination to close with and destroy the enemy set an inspiring example for his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States.