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 Specialist Fifth Class Thomas F. Clouse, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in the Republic of Vietnam, on 30 April 1964. Specialist Clouse displayed perseverance, professional skill, and indomitable courage while serving as an 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, Specialist Clouse rallied the troops and participated in establishing a perimeter of defense for the arriving aircraft. As the first helicopter landed, it became the target of heavy gunfire from multiple automatic weapons and was badly damaged. Although the armed helicopters repeatedly suppressed the gunfires on known enemy positions and the evacuation operation was resumed several times, the perimeter of defense became smaller and smaller throughout the airlifts. Despite the decrease in the defense patrol and the increase in the intensity of enemy gunfire at closer range, Specialist Clouse demonstrated complete disregard for his own safety and personally directed return fire into enemy automatic weapons positions as they were located. Undaunted by the hazardous situation, he exposed himself to the heavy enemy gunfire to defend the group until the last evacuation helicopter had landed. Specialist Clouse’s conspicuous gallantry is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military services.