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 Private First Class Thomas James Bleming, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving operations with an armed hostile force. Private First Class Bleming distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a member of a Pathfinder team inserted into a landing zone to provide communications and control for incoming assault helicopters. As the helicopter lifted off the ground, he instantly engaged two enemy soldiers at close range, killing both of them, then ran through a hail of automatic weapons fire and established a perimeter with his fellow Pathfinders. Intense automatic weapons fire was coming from all around their position. The automatic weapons fire increased and mortars along with grenades were falling on their position, inflicting shrapnel wounds to two of the team members. Jet fighters were called in and dropped their ordnance with such accuracy that 750-pound bombs were dropping within 50 to 75 meters of their position, completely disrupting the attacking enemy. During the afternoon Private First Class Bleming and his fellow Pathfinders withstood repeated enemy attacks, at times engaging the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. Radio contact was lost, but re-established quickly. Troop carrying helicopters were brought in by the team. A search of the area showed forty-one dead enemy soldiers where the Pathfinders made their stand. Only through superb skill and exceptional courage under fire were Private First Class Bleming and his fellow Pathfinders able to remain alive and in control of the landing zone. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.