Donald V. Rattan

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Donald V. Rattan, Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in the Republic of Vietnam, on 19 August 1964, while serving as Chief Observer of a Mobile Training Team during a violent uprising in the Republic of Congo. Colonel Rattan was participating in a reconnaissance mission with three other members of a joint team when they were suddenly attacked by an overwhelming force of Congolese rebels. Upon sustaining gunfire damage to his vehicle, he immediately directed the members of the team to flee to safety while he remained in his position, acting as a decoy although armed merely with a rifle in opposition to the onslaught of twelve hostile warriors wielding automatic weapons. Despite the extreme danger, he steadfastly covered the withdrawal of the team through two kilometers of hazardous terrain and succeeded in keeping the hostile force pinned down until his associates were hidden safely in the dense bush. Through his determination, indomitable courage, and complete disregard for his own safety to protect the lives of his fellow men, he prevented possible casualties and capture of the team. Colonel Rattan’s conspicuous gallantry in action is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.