The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas Glen Powles (MCSN: 2140524), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Grenadier with Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Shortly after midnight on 16 June 1966, Private First Class Powles’ eighteen man patrol was occupying an observation post deep within enemy controlled territory in the vicinity of Chi Tu, Quang Tin Province, when a Viet Cong force of estimated battalion size crept close to the Marines’ position and, on a predetermined signal, launched a vicious attack with small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire. Positioned at the time with a scout team which received the brunt of the attack, Private First Class Powles courageously stood up in the midst of the withering incoming fire to obtain a clear field of fire. Again and again, he fired his grenade launcher with devastating effect until he fell, seriously wounded in the abdomen. His determined and heroic effort contributed in large measure to the successful defense of the hill against a numerically superior enemy force. Private First Class Powles’ extraordinary valor in the face of extreme danger, relentless fighting spirit and unfaltering devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.