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 Private First Class Thomas E. Noel (ASN: US-56438202), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 21 March 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Noel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a Medical Aidman with the Reconnaissance Platoon of Company E, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, his platoon was participating in a combined infantry-armor sweep into the hamlet of Ap Bon (1) when they came under intense automatic weapons and rocket fire from a North Vietnamese Army force of Company size. Without regard for his own safety, Private Noel repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire as he moved throughout the area administering aid to his wounded comrades and pointing out enemy positions. He aided four men before the unit was directed to withdraw and allow supporting artillery fire to be brought in upon the enemy locations. As they withdrew, Private Noel noticed a wounded soldier about 100 meters back. He unhesitatingly dashed across an open rice paddy amidst a withering hail of hostile fire to reach the man and carry him to safety. He then aided several more men in the same manner. Private First Class Noel’s conspicuous gallantry and tenacious devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.