The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Thomas L. Doan (MCSN: 0-105493), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 8 December 1968, while operating near Landing Zone SIERRA in Quang Tri Province, Company L was assigned to seize a hill that was defended by a North Vietnamese Army force occupying a fortified bunker complex. Under cover of darkness, Second Lieutenant Doan boldly led his platoon up the steep incline and, despite intense enemy flanking fire, routed the hostile unit from the position. When directed to consolidate with the remainder of the company, Second Lieutenant Doan skillfully executed an orderly withdrawal. During the remaining hours of darkness, the North Vietnamese again occupied the hill top. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Second Lieutenant Doan aggressively led a second assault upon the hostile position. Fearlessly maneuvering his Marines through intense enemy fire, he rapidly advanced upon the fortified emplacements and forced the North Vietnamese from their fortifications with a heavy volume of small arms and grenade fire. As a result of his heroic actions, a heavily defended hostile bunker complex was seized without sustaining a single Marine casualty. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second Lieutenant Doan inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.