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 (Infantry) Thomas H. Griffin (ASN: 0-98731), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 1 March 1969 while serving as Senior Advisor, 4/5 Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Captain Griffin was with the 4th Battalion who was committed in an open area south of Quang Ngai City to forestall an imminent attack threatened by North Vietnam Army units. Almost immediately upon commitment, the battalion was engaged by two well-positioned and heavy entrenched North Vietnamese Army battalions. Captain Griffin moved to an exposed position, immediately drawing heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire, to better direct air strikes. During this preliminary phase of the battle, Captain Griffin continually remained in an exposed position and made numerous trips across fifty meters of open ground to advise his Vietnamese counterpart. When the order was given to assault the entrenched enemy position, the friendly forces were stopped thirty meters from them. Captain Griffin took two hand grenades from a Vietnamese soldier and, together with his counterpart, assaulted a machine gun bunker, killing five enemy in that position. Then, having penetrated the North Vietnamese Army perimeter, they brandished the captured machine gun and grenade launcher over their heads, exhorting the battalion to follow. Inspired by their gallant leadership, the battalion immediately responded and assaulted the enemy position. At this point Captain Griffin’s counterpart was wounded by close range machine gun fire. Unhesitatingly, Captain Griffin ran under the heavy volume of fire, shielding the wounded commander with his own body while carrying him to safety. He then carried four more wounded soldiers to safety and led a final attack, routing the remaining enemy who left behind fifty-nine dead, numerous automatic weapons, ammunition and equipment. Captain Griffin’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the Military Service.