The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Thomas Jeffcoat, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a machine gunner in Battery D (Machine Gun), 71st Artillery Regiment, II Field Force Artillery in the Republic of Vietnam. On 11 July 1967, Private Jeffcoat’s Quad 50 caliber machine gun position was attacked by enemy mortar and anti-tank fire. At the same time, intense automatic weapons fire was being directed at this position by Viet Cong who had infiltrated to the rear of his location. Disregarding the serious and painful wounds he had received in the initial onslaught, he valiantly delivered accurate fire on enemy positions for more than two hours, until he was evacuated for medical treatment. Private Jeffcoat’s courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.