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 (Corps of Engineers) Tadahiko Ono (ASN: OF-104948), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Ono distinguished himself by heroic actions on 17 December 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer of Company D, 65th Engineer Combat Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. When a re-supply convoy was ambushed by an enemy battalion, Captain Ono was given the task of constructing a by-pass around the disabled vehicles. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Ono directed the construction work as ammunition on the burning vehicles exploded all around him. After directing a search for mines along the route, Captain Ono led a counter-attack. His assault out-flanked the surprised enemy, and drove them off. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the enemy, and the success of the mission. Captain Ono’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

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 Captain (Corps of Engineers) Tadahiko Ono (ASN: OF-104948), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Ono distinguished himself by heroic actions on 23 February 1969, while serving as the Company Commander of Company D, 65th Engineer Combat Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. Dau Tieng Base Camp came under a massive mortar, rocket propelled grenade, and rocket attack followed by a ground assault. Learning that the southern end of the base camp had been penetrated, Captain Ono led his men to the beleaguered perimeter. Nearing the location, Captain Ono came under an intense volume of Viet Cong fire. Continuously exposing himself to the withering hail of sniper fire, Captain Ono directed the placing of his men along the bunker line, preserving its integrity. On one occasion, Captain Ono, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to a heavy volume of fire as he crawled to within fifteen meters of the enemy positions to the aid of a wounded comrade. Ignoring the hostile rounds that were striking around him, Captain Ono succeeded in evacuating the soldier to a safe position where he was placed upon a vehicle and taken to an aid station. Throughout the entire battle, Captain Ono fearlessly exposed himself as he continued to direct his men’s fire. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the aggressors. Captain Ono’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.