The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Ronald C. Thiewes (MCSN: 0-106428), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 January 1969, Company L was participating in Operation Taylor common near An Hoa in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under intense automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed enemy force and several men were wounded. Rapidly assessing the crucial situation, Second Lieutenant Thiewes boldly ignored the enemy rounds impacting near him as he swiftly deployed his men and directed their fire upon the hostile positions. Alertly observing four injured Marines lying in an area dangerously exposed to enemy fire, he fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to the wounded men, skillfully rendered emergency first aid to his comrades, and assisted them to positions of relative safety. Although sustaining a painful injury, Second Lieutenant Thiewes resolutely remained with the casualties and delivered effective suppressive fire upon the enemy soldiers. When the hostile force was defeated, he steadfastly refused medical aid until the other seriously wounded men had been treated. His daring initiative and gallant efforts inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in saving the lives of four Marines. By his courage, superb leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Second Lieutenant Thiewes upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.