The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Brigadier General Pham Quoc Thuan, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as Commanding General, 5th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, from 29 October 1967 to 3 November 1967. During the early morning hours of 29 October 1967, enemy forces overran and occupied the Loc Ninh District Compound, Binh Long Province, and General Thuan laid plans to retake the compound. He then made an aerial flight over the besieged compound and had the aircraft land in its vicinity, even though the area was not secure, in order to direct his forces. After landing, he learned that friendly troops and an unknown number of dependents and civilians were trapped within the compound. He immediately acted to retake the compound. General Thuan positioned himself at critical points with complete disregard for enemy fire; he inspired all who observed him, and the calm, calculated manner in which he put his plans into effect, while under fire, caused systematic selective destruction of the enemy force. He ordered reserve forces into the area to secure ground seized from the enemy, immediately organized a command structure, and ordered that the retreating enemy forces be pursued. Braving enemy fire, he moved outside of the compound to observe the pursuit forces and inspire his troops to fight with renewed vigor. Returning to the compound, he moved among the wounded, and personally assisted in their evacuation. The night of 30 October brought another ferocious enemy attack, and General Thuan, remaining on almost continuous duty, directed supporting elements who imposed heavy casualties upon the enemy while suffering only light casualties. General Thuan learned that the enemy had advanced through the town of Loc Ninh and that enemy propaganda teams had told the populace that the Viet Cong were going to take and hold the town and District Compound at all costs. General Thuan realized that the presence of a senior government representative would show the people that the government was determined to defend the area. Knowing that the surrounding area had not been cleared of enemy snipers and sporadic fire was still being received, General Thuan traveled by vehicle to the town, driving through its streets, stopping at the marketplace and other areas to talk to the people, assuring them that the Viet Cong would be defeated and pronouncing the government’s will and determination to protect their freedom. General Thuan’s demonstrated courage and professionalism were instrumental in preventing a major enemy victory. His devotion to the cause of freedom and his conspicuous gallantry were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great honor upon himself and the Republic of Vietnam.