The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas Kjos (ASN: 0-5339805), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Kjos distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 1 February 1968, while serving as a platoon leader with Company D, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 12th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division, during a search and destroy mission near Quang Tri, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with a numerically superior enemy force and was pinned down by intense enemy fire, Lieutenant Kjos exposed himself to the hostile fire as he assaulted and destroyed an enemy bunker withy a hand grenade. His actions enabled his men to advance against the adversary’s emplacements and successfully complete their mission. Lieutenant Kjos’ gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.