The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman First Class Thomas E. Williamson, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Sub Unit One, First Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 17 April to 1 May 1972. As invading North Vietnamese Army forces closed in on Quang Tri City, Petty Officer Williamson steadfastly remained at his post in a small dispensary located in the Citadel and provided medical aid for a rapidly increasing number of battle casualties. Although the situation deteriorated hourly and the city was completely sealed off, he worked without concern for his own safety or personal comfort to treat both American and Vietnamese military casualties as well as wounded civilians unable to reach the local hospital. Particularly noteworthy were his actions in saving the life of a United States Army officer who was seriously wounded in a battle north of the city. Upon learning that the wounded officer could not be moved to the aid station in the Citadel because of intense enemy fire and the enemy positions surrounding the city, Petty Officer Williamson rode a Vietnamese military vehicle across the Ai Tu Bridge, past enemy emplacements, along the fire-swept road to friendly lines, and then proceeded on foot to the side of the wounded man. After administering lifesaving emergency treatment, he assisted in moving the casualty to a nearby compound from where he was subsequently evacuated to a secure hospital. On 30 April, when friendly units were forced to withdraw from Quang Tri City to a more tenable position, Petty Officer Williamson supervised the extraction of the wounded and, although the three evacuation helicopters came under enemy fire, he never faltered in his humanitarian efforts until all his patients were safely out of the besieged city. By his courage, extraordinary professionalism, and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Petty Officer Williamson inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.