Donald R. Hayes

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Donald R. Hayes (0-2016407), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Staff Sergeant], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 8th Armored Division in Germany from 3 April 1945 to 10 April 1945. Lieutenant Hayes voluntarily took over the duties of an evacuated tank commander. When his vehicle was hit by artillery, he remained to remove his crew’s personal weapons and to fire one remaining round at an enemy tank. He then accomplished the evacuation of wounded. When the platoon leader was evacuated, he quickly reorganized the platoon and continued with the attack. He led his platoon to the front of the assault and pressed on to capture a strongly defended town. His actions, beyond the call of duty, reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the Untied States.