MAJ. DONALD M. SCHER gained the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism on 17 November 1967 while commanding an infantry company during the battle at Dak To. While advancing up hill 1338, his unit was hit by a devastating mortar and automatic weapons barrage from an enemy force occupying well concealed positions. Captain Scher quickly deployed his men in a defensive position and maneuvered through a hail of bullets and shrapnel to direct their fire on the hostile fortifications. Moving to the front of his men, he led them inch by inch up the hill into an intense enemy fusillade. He called for artillery and air strikes when the North Vietnamese firepower prevented further advancement. Completely disregarding his personal safety, he stood up and directed the ordinance on enemy bunkers and trenched. Captain Scher resumed his ground assault as the strikes lifted. Despite the renewed North Vietnamese barrage, he moved back and forth across the hillside, encouraging his men’s advance and treating casualties. One wounded soldier was pinned down in the open by relentless fire. Captain Scher crawled to his aid, skillfully administering treatment to the man and carried him to safety. Exposing himself to enemy weapons time after time, he pressed his company’s assault, overran the crest of the hill, and routed the hostile forces. Captain Scher’s extraordinary heroism 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.

Mr. Scher joined the L.O.V. in 1970.