The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Thomas E. Rodriguez (ASN: 0-5539764), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Rodriguez distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 July 1969, while serving as a Forward Observer with Company D, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Long An Province. As the company was sweeping toward a woodline, they were hit and immobilized by intense automatic weapons fire from a concealed enemy bunker complex. Lieutenant Rodriguez, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to the hostile fusillade in order to provide covering fire of such effectiveness that the friendly troops were able to maneuver and gain cover. Courageously maintaining his exposed position, Lieutenant Rodriguez called in artillery fire with devastating accuracy, bombarding the enemy emplacements until the friendly company was able to gain the offensive and overrun the hostile force. Lieutenant Rodriguez’ extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.