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 Bullene Throckmorton (ASN: 0-91094), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Throckmorton distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, on 9 February 1965, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, he was serving as Senior Advisor to the 5th Airborne Battalion, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, which was conducting a heliborne operation against the Viet Cong. Captain Throckmorton accompanied the initial helicopter lift of two rifle companies and the battalion headquarters into the designated landing zone. Minutes after landing, the Viet Cong opened fire with small arms, automatic weapons, and mortars from well camouflaged entrenched positions on the south side of the landing site. During this critical period of the operation and while under the intense fire, Captain Throckmorton voluntarily moved to where the fighting was heaviest in his efforts to assist the Battalion Commander in organizing his forces. At great personal risk, Captain Throckmorton moved unhesitatingly to the lead of the flanking unit, and urged the soldiers to press the attack. His courageous personal example inspired the soldiers to aggressively close with the enemy. As the attack gained momentum he was seriously wounded, but before he would permit himself to be evacuated Captain Throckmorton moved to his enlisted assistant and insured that he was prepared to continue to provide assistance to the Battalion Commander. Captain Throckmorton’s conspicuous gallantry was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.