The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Thomas F. Garner, Jr. (ASN: 0-5429014), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Garner distinguished himself by heroic actions on 5 April 1969, while serving with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. While established at Patrol Base DIAMOND, Battery C came under a massive enemy attack. Immediately, Lieutenant Garner left the relative safety of his bunker to prepare the two howitzers under his command to return fire. During the initial contact, Lieutenant Garner, with complete disregard for his own safety, repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire as he raced between the two howitzer positions to check on his men’s condition and direct fire on the advancing hostiles. Upon spotting several enemy machine gun positions, Lieutenant Garner personally directed fire on the hostile emplacements. Throughout the entire engagement, Lieutenant Garner coordinated the radio system with the ground observers on the bunker line. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the successful defeat of the enemy forces. Lieutenant Garner’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division and the United States Army.