The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph K. Donahue (ASN: 0-1043317), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 21 February 1945, at Spicherin, France. Stubborn enemy resistance in Spicherin necessitated a call for artillery fire on the town. Lieutenant Donahue volunteered to lead a patrol into town so that enemy strength might first be ascertained. Taking six men, he crossed open terrain under enemy observation, entered Spicherin, and began a house to house search. His aggressive tactics drove the enemy from the town and resulted in the capture of the town and seven prisoners, and without casualties to our forces. Lieutenant Donahue’s action obviated necessity for artillery fire on the town.