For heroism in ground combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 March 1968. Specialist McDonald distinguished himself in the vicinity of Phu Bai, Republic of Vietnam, on 10 March 1968. On that date the battalion’s reconnaissance force was in heavy contact, suffering numerous casualties. As darkness fell, Company C was able to link up with the reconnaissance element to provide a stronger night defensive perimeter. Two of the reconnaissance element’s men were still missing and Specialist McDonald’s platoon moved out to the contact area where the men were first noticed to be missing. Enroute to this area, the platoon encountered a bunkered position and was immediately taken under enemy automatic weapons fire. Specialist McDonald, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, moved to a flanking position and under cover of darkness, crawled to within several meters of the bunker’s left side. Again with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he simultaneously fired and entered the enemy bunker, killing the enemy soldiers. His platoon was then able to retrieve the missing members of the reconnaissance element. Specialist McDonald’s outstanding display of heroism in action and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.