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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Donald Gene Hicks (ASN: US-67158494), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Hicks distinguished himself while serving as an Infantryman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 23 February 1968, Company B was part of a large search and destroy operations with the specific mission of eliminating the remaining enemy resistance outside of Kontum. Private First Class Hicks was in the point squad of the lead element when the company made contact with an enemy force positioned in bunkers on a hill. He immediately began returning the enemy fire and organizing his squad for an assault. As two other elements supported the company, Private First Class Hicks led the assault up the hill. Despite the intense enemy fire, he continued to lead his men forward, utilizing flanking movements to surround the bunkers. Suddenly the squad was subjected to heavy hostile fire from the rear. Private First Class Hicks, realizing the seriousness of the crossfire, charged the bunkers and drew the enemy fire to allow his squad to withdraw and reorganize. As he pressed forward, he was mortally wounded. Through his outstanding courage and personal sacrifice, he saved the lives of his comrades. Private First Class Hicks’ personal gallantry, professional integrity and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.