The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) Donald R. Saari (ASN: OF-110049), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Saari distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 January 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer of Company H, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, on a reconnaissance in force mission southwest of Loc Ninh. When the lead track in the armored column was struck by a rocket, Captain Saari immediately rushed to the scene, organized a temporary defensive perimeter and directed evacuation of the wounded. Half an hour later, the column was rolling again. Further down the trail, a large insurgent bunker complex was uncovered. Constantly exposing himself to hostile fire, Captain Saari directed the tank platoon, a dismounted patrol, and other elements, including a flame thrower equipped armored cavalry assault vehicle, against the enemy positions. Despite intense rocket, automatic weapons and small arms fire, Captain Saari pressed his men ever forward to victory over the enemy, marked by the killing of 37 enemy soldiers, the capture of one North Vietnamese soldier, and the confiscation of several weapons. Captain Saari’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.