The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Donald F. Mahan (ASN: 16108826), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AW) Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 8 November 1944, in France. At about 0800 hours an Engineer enlisted man while crossing the ***** River in a rubber boat was wounded by enemy machine gun fire directed from the far side of the river and fell into the swift water. Acting upon his own initiative and without regard to his own personal safety, Private Mahan immediately stripped off his outer clothing and plunged into the river. He swam towards the wounded man and aided by one of his gun crew mates, he made two desperate attempts to rescue the wounded man from drowning. Private Mahan and his companion were quickly exhausted by the cold, swift water and realized that they would not be able to regain the banks of the river. The courage and disregard for personal safety displayed by Private Mahan reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.