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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Sergeant Theodore N. Tees, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 24 August 1969. Sergeant Tees distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader in Company B, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), during combat operations near the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. As Company B began to ascend the slope of a ridge north of Dong Ap Bia Mountain, the lead element came under intense enemy small arms, rocket propelled grenade, and automatic weapons fire from an unknown size enemy force situated in well-constructed bunkers. In the initial encounter, the lead man was critically wounded and subjected to further enemy fire. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sergeant Tees quickly began to maneuver his way toward the wounded soldier. As he approached the wounded man’s position, the enemy force began directing a heavy volume of fire toward him. Sergeant Tees immediately began leveling a heavy base of suppressive fire, killing one of the insurgents. He then placed the wounded man on his shoulders and began carrying him to safety in spite of constant enemy automatic weapons fire. Due to his courageous efforts, the life of one comrade was saved and friendly casualties kept to a minimum. Sergeant Tees’ personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.