The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class Thomas Albert Lutge (ASN: RA-28179489), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 25 July 1968. Platoon Sergeant Lutge distinguished himself what serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company A, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on a combat operation in Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. His company was transported by helicopters into a suspected enemy held area. As they moved out on the ground they made contact with an unknown size element of a North Vietnamese Battalion. Throughout the ensuing battle, Platoon Sergeant Lutge fearlessly moved among his men to direct their fire while repeatedly exposed to the intense hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire. During the fire fight he personally saw to it that his men were constantly resupplied with ammunition. Then, seeing his platoon leader wounded, Platoon Sergeant Lutge moved forward to extract the injured man. As he moved forward he was mortally wounded by the enemy fire. Platoon Sergeant Lutge’s personal bravery 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.