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 Captain (Infantry) Thomas Wilson Pusser, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Pusser distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in action against the enemy at Plei Me Special Forces Base Camp, Republic of Vietnam, on the night of 21 – 22 October 1965. On that date, Viet Cong guerillas attack the bas camp, and during the intense fire-fight that followed the attack, South Vietnamese troops became confused and disorganized when they could not locate an enemy machine gun. Captain Pusser and the South Vietnamese Company Commander moved through the fighting to try and restore order in the troops. After moving several men to safety, Captain Pusser spotted the Viet Cong machine gun raking his position. He rounded up some soldiers to take the gun, and assaulted the position. When almost to the enemy emplacement, Captain Pusser’s men bogged down. Nevertheless, he stook up, rallied the men around him, and assaulted the gun again. Twenty-five meters from the enemy gun, he was cut down in mid-charge by Viet Cong fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Pusser, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.