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 pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Wallate (Wallace) Fred Thibodeau (ASN: RA-19813726), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Thibodeau distinguished himself while serving as a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol Team Leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, [Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry Regiment], 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. On 24 June 1969, Sergeant Thibodeau’s team discovered an enemy camp and waited for the enemy to return. When three enemy soldiers moved into the area, the team quickly engaged them, killing one and capturing the others. Realizing the complex supported more than three men, Sergeant Thibodeau again deployed his men and awaited the return of the remaining enemy. When the enemy entered the area, Sergeant Thibodeau directed his men in delivering a heavy volume of fire, inflicting numerous casualties and capturing another enemy soldier. As a result of Sergeant Thibodeau’s actions vital intelligence information was gathered. Sergeant Thibodeau’s personal bravery, outstanding leadership and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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 Sergeant Wallate (Wallace) Fred Thibodeau (ASN: RA-19813726), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Thibodeau distinguished himself while serving as a Team Leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, [Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry Regiment], 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. On 10 April 1969, Sergeant Thibodeau was serving as a team leader for a long range patrol team on a reconnaissance mission near Polei Kleng. Upon discovering an uninhabited large sized North Vietnamese bunker complex with various enemy equipment and documents, Sergeant Thibodeau and his team were subjected to a large scale enemy attack. Sergeant Thibodeau’s vast experience and military ability proved invaluable while he directed artillery onto the enemy positions and directed his team in defensive maneuvers. While the team was moving through the dark jungle, they found a body of a fallen comrade which they promptly picked up and carried with them while evading the enemy force. Throughout the entire night of continuous contact, Sergeant Thibodeau helped carry the body while he directed his team in maneuvers and adjusted artillery fire onto the pursuing enemy. During the early morning hours, Sergeant Thibodeau and his team were constantly surrounded by the enemy, but his efficient handling of the situation prevented his team from receiving any casualties. Sergeant Thibodeau’s exceptional leadership was directly responsible for the death of 45 enemy soldiers, the capturing of several important enemy documents, the location of an enemy bunker complex, and the recovery of a missing American body. Sergeant Thibodeau’s exceptional courage, superb, outstanding leadership and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.