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 Captain (Infantry) Thomas Harold Rau, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Detachment B-20, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Rau distinguished himself while commanding a Mobile Strike Force company during combat operations near Dak Seang Special Forces camp. Shortly after helicopter insertion into the area of operations, the friendly force came under an intense barrage of enemy rocket, mortar, and small arms fire. Captain Rau immediately deployed his men into a defensive position to brace against the enemy onslaught. Constantly exposing himself to the hostile fire, Captain Rau moved from one man to another directing their defensive fire and encouraging them to maintain the defensive effort. The enemy pressure intensified when a series of ground attacks probed the friendly defensive perimeter. Without hesitation, Captain Rau moved to a nearby machine gun position and directed a devastating volume of fire at the onrushing enemy which broke the attack and forced the enemy to withdraw. Throughout the attack, his determined actions were an inspiration to his men and were instrumental in repulsing the enemy attack. Captain Rau’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.