The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Thomas Edward Nichols (ASN: 0-2303639), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while assigned to Advisory Team 95, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, on 12 October 1967 while serving as an Infantry Advisor to the 4th Battalion, 50th Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, the battalion headquarters, Long An Province, came under attack from an estimated reinforced Vietcong company. At the onset, Captain Nichols and members of his team were manning the advisory bunker. The bunker was the target of two accurately thrown hand grenades which exploded within the bunker causing serious wounds to Captain Nichols. The force of the grenade blew him out of the bunker and he landed in a pool of water. Upon recovery, and despite his wounds, the loss of his glasses and his weapon, Captain Nichols noticed that two Vietcong soldiers were approaching the bunker and without regard for his safety he stood up and detracted the enemy. Captain Nichol’s action allowed the two remaining inhabitants of the bunker to escape. Captain Nichols, then ignoring the extreme danger, assisted a seriously wounded fellow advisor to safety and then assumed a position in a small perimeter and then fought off the enemy. As a result of his extraordinary valor and absolute dedication to duty, this action allowed other team members to remove the wounded to a secure area and return to help fight off the enemy until a reactionary force arrived. Captain Nichols’ conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.