Donald A. Spangler

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Donald A. Spangler (33230115), Technician Fourth Grade, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the Medical Department, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 25 January and 26 January 1945. Working with his troops as a Medical Aid Man, Sergeant Spangler displayed exceptional bravery. He went to the aid of casualties in open terrain, under direct fire, and across ground known to contain a mine field. For two days and nights he went without rest in carrying out his missions. When two other Medical Aid Men were wounded by anti-personnel mines, Sergeant Spangler, without thought for his own safety, crossed three hundred yards of open terrain under heavy enemy small arms and mortar fire to aid and evacuate the wounded men. His courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.