For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Specialist Austin distinguished himself on 21 March 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam.

On this day as the entire company became engaged in heavy automatic weapons, small arms and rocket fire, Specialist Austin remained on the front line, and with total disregard for his own safety, moved to the aid of a wounded comrade and continued to fire and direct the fire of his team. He was wounded in the head by a fragment but still continued to fight and lend aid to the wounded man. After his platoon had gained fire superiority, he dragged himself and the wounded man to safety. Through his courage and outstanding leadership, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and was personally responsible for silencing six enemy troops. Specialist Austin’s complete devotion to duty and personal bravery were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

About a month later, Specialist Donald E. Austin was involved in another action on 28 April, 1968 near Bong Son with the 1st Platoon of “A” Company, US 503rd Airborne as they encountered a North Vietnamese main force unit which was in a strong defensive fortification. Specialist Four AUSTIN “courageously assaulted enemy fire positions with hand grenades, resulting in 5 enemy killed on the spot and assisted the operational units to seize the objective”.

Specialist Four Donald E. Austin entered the service from Cincinnati and currently resides in Spring Valley, Ohio near Xenia in Greene County.