The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Thomas R. Swindler (ASN: RA-52130568), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force on 2 December 1966 while serving with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Sergeant Swindler was serving as Platoon Sergeant and Vehicle Commander of an armored cavalry assault vehicle which was part of a relief force for a resupply convoy which had been ambushed by a reinforced Viet Cong battalion. As sergeant Swindler’s vehicle moved into the ambush site he noticed that three soldiers, escaping from a burning vehicle were receiving intense enemy fire from the flank. Sergeant Swindler, disregarding his own personal safety, dismounted and personally led them to his track. Moving back to the ambush zone, the armored vehicle immediately to his front sustained a casualty and was threatened by an advancing Viet Cong assault squad. Although dangerously exposed to the hostile fire, Sergeant Swindler destroyed the enemy squad with grenades and his fifty caliber machine gun. As the battle continued Sergeant Swindler braved intense enemy fire to retrieve weapons from a burning track that was ready to explode. Dodging Viet Cong fire, he returned to his vehicle only after determining that the weapons were damaged beyond repair. Seconds after Sergeant Swindler left the flaming vehicle it exploded. Sergeant Swindler’s dedication to the welfare of his men and his bold leadership were an inspiration to his entire platoon. His determination and courage contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the fanatical Viet Cong. Platoon Sergeant Swindler’s unquestionable valor in close combat against a numerically superior enemy force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.