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 Specialist Fifth Class Thomas H. Van Putten (ASN: 16929593), United States Army, for outstanding gallantry in action on 28 March 1969 through 17 April 1969, while escaping from the Viet Cong in South Vietnam. On 28 March 1969, after more than one year in a Viet Cong prison camp and after attempting to escape on two previous occasions, Specialist Fifth Class Van Putten was able to deceive his guard and slip unnoticed from the rear of his bunker into the thick jungle surrounding the prisoner of war camp. For 21 days, Specialist Van Putten utilized every bit of training he possessed and narrowly missed being recaptured on two separate occasions. In once instance he placed his black underpants over his head for camouflage, and, getting into the water, pulled himself along with his hands under water to a position downstream and away from the enemy. Over the 21-day evasion period he survived on a frog, a lizard, and a few pieces of sour fruit. Specialist Van Putten’s determination and fortitude were demonstrated by continuous movement toward what he believed to be friendly positions. Upon recovery by United States forces he was so weak that he could only walk 15 or 20 feet at a time before blacking out and collapsing. Upon return to United States control, he sought to provide information in order to assist in the rescue and recovery of his comrades still in enemy hands. Specialist Van Putten’s burning determination to escape, undiminished after two unsuccessful attempts, his clear-headedness in formulating an effective plan, and his audacity in executing it successfully reflect the highest credit on his professionalism and courage and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.