The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Thomas E. Baggett, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in the Republic of Vietnam, on 30 April 1964. Sergeant Baggett displayed fortitude, determination, and professional skill while serving as the Senior Advisor to a Vietnamese Strike Force Patrol that had been harassed by the Viet Cong for nineteen consecutive days as it penetrated deep into insurgent controlled territory. While the exhausted, discouraged, and wounded defenders were preparing for an aerial evacuation, Sergeant Baggett rallied the forces, organized them, and established one-half of a perimeter for the defense of the arriving aircraft. As the first helicopter landed, it became the target of heavy gun fire from multiple automatic weapons and was badly damaged. Although the armed helicopters repeatedly suppressed the gun fires on known enemy positions and the evacuation operation was resumed several times, the perimeter of defense became smaller and smaller throughout the air lifts. Despite the decrease in the defense patrol and the increase in the intensity of enemy gun fire at closer range, Sergeant Baggett demonstrated complete disregard for his own safety and bravely defended the landing zone by successfully returning the gun fire. With indomitable courage and perseverance, he exposed himself to the heavy enemy gun fire to defend the group until the last evacuation helicopter had landed. Sergeant Baggett’s conspicuous gallantry is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military services.