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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Thomas George Blair, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Blair distinguished himself on 24 May 1971 while serving as a Platoon Leader, Company A, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. While leading a small patrol, Lieutenant Blair’s element came under intense machine gunfire from an entrenched enemy weapons position. Lieutenant Blair immediately moved to the front of the element to direct fire on the enemy position and was then seriously wounded by enemy machine gun fire. Although he was very seriously wounded, Lieutenant Blair exposed himself and directed his element in the assault on the enemy position. Despite continuous automatic weapons fire, Lieutenant Blair repeatedly refused medical treatment and evacuation until is element had successfully silenced the enemy fire. First Lieutenant Blair’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.