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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas Patrick Crowley (ASN: 0-5327033), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Crowley distinguished himself by heroic actions on 11 November 1966, while in command of a twenty-four man night ambush patrol in the Filhol Plantation, Republic of Vietnam. Five Viet Cong were observed sitting in a group, making punji stakes, in the vicinity of the selected ambush site. Lieutenant Crowley deployed his patrol and took the group under fire, killing the five Viet Cong. Other Viet Cong retaliated with heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire from the direction of the patrol’s right flank; the first burst of fire seriously wounded lieutenant Crowley, his radio operator and forward observer. Lieutenant Crowley immediately took the radio and began calling for indirect fire support to neutralize the fire and cover his patrol’s movement to a better position. Although suffering from wounds received, Lieutenant Crowley continuously exposed himself to enemy fire as he directed the care of the wounded, adjusted artillery fire, controlled the movement of the patrol, and directed the patrol’s fire into the Viet Cong position. A reaction force was dispatched to assist the patrol and a successful link up was effected. Only then did Lieutenant Crowley report his wounds. His selfless example, decisive leadership, and valor in close combat against the enemy are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.