The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

 

SILVER STAR MEDAL to

 

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS

DONALD A. HOSSACK

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION:

 

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Platoon Radio Operator with Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 April 1967. Private First Class Hossack’s company (-) was advancing to secure Hill 881 South in the first Battle of Khe Sanh when a numerically superior enemy force attacked, killed the Platoon Leader, and inflicted heavy casualties on his platoon. Private First Class Hossack’s radio was destroyed by mortar fire in the attack, and he sustained a severe chest wound, broken arm, and multiple shrapnel wounds. Despite the severity of his injuries, Private First Class Hossack secured a squad radio as he was medevaced to a bomb crater. When an enemy grenade landed in the crater, he used his body to shield his fellow Marines from the blast and received a second severe shrapnel wound. Despite intense pain, he assumed command of the company on the hill and coordinated company positions and actions, maintained radio contact with higher headquarters, and controlled supporting fire. Upon realizing an enemy attack was imminent, he called for artillery strikes. The timing and accuracy of these dangerously close strikes inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy, forced them to retreat, and saved the company from certain defeat. Private First Class Hossack was wounded a third time by an AK-47 round when he exposed himself to enemy fire to assist a wounded Marine. Although suffering from three severe wounds and fighting to maintain consciousness, he was able to prevent the deaths of fellow Marines due to friendly-fire by canceling an air strike that would have been too close to his company’s position.  Private First Class Hossack’s courageous actions, total disregard for his own life and unwavering devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

 

For the President,

 

Donald C. Winter

Secretary of the Navy