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 Private First Class Leonard Alan Thomas (ASN: RA-11810443), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Thomas distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 November 1967 at Dak To, Republic of Vietnam, while serving as a member of Company D (Provisional), 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Private Thomas assumed the duties of machine gunner when the regular gunner was seriously wounded during an enemy attack. He immediately delivered a steady volume of accurate fire into the attacking enemy force and inflicted severe losses in their ranks, fifteen by later body count. During one of the savage attacks, Private Thomas was wounded but remained at his position and contributed greatly to the enemy’s defeat. As Companies C and D moved their perimeter up a steep slope to more defensible ground, the North Vietnamese regrouped and launched a brutal assault on the battle weary paratroopers. With a heavy barrage of rockets, mortars and automatic weapons fire falling around him, Private Thomas continued his drive up the hill. Again he was wounded, but he continued until he reached the top of the incline. By this time, Company C of the 4th Battalion was attempting to reinforce Companies C and D, but was receiving heavy sniper fire. Private Thomas’ platoon leader led him to a point from which he could place effective fire on the trees where the snipers were concealed. Private Thomas immediately sprayed the trees, killing two of the enemy snipers and enabling the reinforcing company to reach the two embattled companies. It was shortly after this that an exploding mortar round mortally wounded Private Thomas and silenced his machine gun. Private Thomas’ inspirational display of heroism and dauntless courage were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.