The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Thomas R. Hill (MCSN: 2145860), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 18 March 1968 during Operation FORD, Sergeant Hill’s platoon had advanced approximately 300 meters into a large graveyard when the Marines suddenly came under heavy small arms, automatic weapons, mortar, recoilless rifle and rocket fire from a well camouflaged and entrenched enemy force. Immediately realizing the seriousness of the situation, Sergeant Hill unhesitatingly advanced to the point of heaviest contact and began moving from one position to another throughout the fire-swept area, shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing their fire. When he learned that the platoon commander was mortally wounded, he immediately assumed command and directed the fire of armed helicopters to within forty meters of his position. Ignoring the danger to his own life, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire to pinpoint enemy targets for a supporting Ontos. As he courageously moved throughout the area to coordinate and direct the fire of supporting arms and his men, he was painfully wounded in the arm. Refusing medical treatment for himself, he continued to aggressively direct the efforts of his men during the three and one half hour battle, successfully routing the enemy. Not until he was assured that all the casualties had been evacuated and the area secured would he allow himself to be medically evacuated. By his courage, inspiring leadership and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Sergeant Hill contributed materially to the defeat of the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.