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 Sergeant Thomas M. Delamater (ASN: RA-55692102), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Sergeant Delamater distinguished himself on 9 June 1966 while serving as a Squad Leader during a search and destroy mission near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam. When a Viet Cong soldier was observed moving along a trail toward his squad, Sergeant Delamater killed him. While exchanging fire, two hand grenades exploded in his position. Although shaken up by the exploding grenades, Sergeant Delamater placed effective fire on the insurgents and aided his comrades to form a tight defensive perimeter. As the battle raged, Sergeant Delamater repeatedly exposed himself outside of the perimeter, carried his wounded comrades to safety, helped the medics administer first aid and made litters to carry the wounded. When the main body withdrew, Sergeant Delamater and the rest of his platoon remained in position for approximately two hours to protect the perimeter before withdrawing to a landing zone 800 meters away. Through his courage, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. Sergeant Delamater’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.