RATTAN,
DONALD V.
Citation:
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.
Department of the Army, General
Orders No. 40 (December 9, 1965)
