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 Captain (Armor) Thomas M. Montgomery, United States Army, for gallantry in actions in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 26 February 1969 while serving as the commanding officer of Company H, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while conducting a reconnaissance-in-force operation, the troop suddenly came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a large, well-entrenched enemy force. Captain Montgomery immediately directed his company to return fire and form into an assault formation. Upon learning that his lead vehicle had sustained a direct hit from an antitank grenade, he maneuvered his vehicle to a position between the enemy forces and the disabled vehicle, thereby enabling his men to evacuate the wounded. Though his vehicle received a direct hit during the evacuation, he continued pressing the attack. When he received word that another vehicle had suffered a direct hit, wounding a number of the crewmen, he again positioned his tank between the enemy forces and the wounded men, thus providing them with the protection needed for their safe evacuation. Again his vehicle was hit by an enemy antitank round, but luckily it was not disabled. After the wounded had been evacuated from the disabled vehicle, Captain Montgomery resumed the assault and led his men in overrunning the hostile positions and defeating the enemy. Captain Montgomery’s outstanding courage, devotion to duty and deep concern for the welfare of his men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.