SILVER STAR

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

 STAFF SERGEANT DONALD E. JUSTIS

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

          For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 11 June 1968, while participating in Operation Mameluke Thrust in Quang Nam Province, Staff Sergeant JUSTIS’ platoon suddenly came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a large, well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force. Reacting instantly, he skillfully maneuvered his men to more advantageous positions and commenced adjusting accurate artillery fire upon the enemy emplacements. Fearlessly exposing himself to the hostile fire, he boldly moved across the fire-swept terrain from one position to another, shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing their fire. After ensuring that casualties were evacuated, he deployed his platoon on line and commenced an attack on the North Vietnamese positions which was halted by a heavy volume of hostile fire. After airstrikes were conducted on the hostile emplacements, he aggressively led his Marines in another assault which forced the North Vietnamese soldiers to flee in panic and confusion. His bold initiative and heroic actions contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and were instrumental in his platoon seizing an enemy machine gun and a large amount of equipment. By his courage, outstanding leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Staff Sergeant JUSTIS upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

For the President,

H. W. BUSE, JR.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL,  U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC