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 Fourth Class Graydon B. Thorsgard (ASN: US-55931435), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Thorsgard distinguished himself while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. On 9 May 1969, when Landing Zone Penny was attacked by enemy ground forces, Specialist Thorsgard immediately engaged them with grenade and M-16 fire. The resistance and firepower supplied by Specialist Thorsgard during the first ten minutes, enabled the landing zone’s forces to be organized and the enemy advance halted. When his weapon jammed, he joined his Commanding Officer in advancing on an enemy-held bunker with only a few grenades. Although wounded by enemy shrapnel, he continued to advance and engaged the enemy with his grenades. Specialist Fourth Class Thorsgard’s courageous actions, determination and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.