The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Thomas G. Kerrigan (MCSN: 0-106816), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company L, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 April 1968, while crossing a river during a search and destroy operation south of DaNang in Quang Nam Province, Company L came under intense rocket, small arms, and automatic weapons fire from a well-entrenched hostile force on the far river bank, causing several casualties and isolating two Marines on the enemy’s side of the river. Although seriously wounded during the initial burst of fire and rendered temporarily unconscious, Second Lieutenant Kerrigan recovered and, swiftly reorganizing his platoon, directed its actions against the enemy emplacements. Undaunted by the hostile rounds impacting near him, he fearlessly moved to a dangerously exposed position to direct highly effective covering fire, enabling the casualties to be extracted from the fire-swept area. Boldly exposing himself to the hostile fire to pinpoint the exact location of the enemy, he then directed extremely accurate counterfire which allowed the trapped Marines on the far side of the river to return to the company position. Carefully selecting an avenue of withdrawal, he then skillfully maneuvered his platoon out of the hazardous area, steadfastly refusing medical evacuation in order to remain with his men. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Second Lieutenant Kerrigan inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.