The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Thomas V. Draude (MCSN: 0-89211), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Shortly after midnight on 15 July 1966, a Viet Cong force of estimated battalion strength initiated intense mortar, recoilless rifle and small arms fire on Captain Draude’s position. Under cover of the intense fire, the enemy launched repeated assaults upon the Company perimeter. Upon commencement of the Viet Cong attack, Captain Draude, although painfully wounded, quickly, calmly and with complete disregard for his own safety began to move from position to position. He skillfully assessed the situation, offered encouragement to his men and directed accurate, effective fire upon the enemy. Discovering that the First Platoon’s positions had been penetrated, it commander killed, and its sergeant badly wounded, Captain Draude reorganized the platoon and regained its original position. Throughout the violent hour-long action, he moved to all of his Company’s positions at least twice, organizing the defense, offering inspiring leadership and supervising the re-supply of ammunition and the movement of casualties to a secure area for evacuation. By his uncommon courage, exceptional leadership and extreme professional skill, Captain Draude was instrumental in repelling the Viet Cong attack and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Thomas V. Draude (MCSN: 0-89211), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 April 1966, the Company was engaged in a search and destroy operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in Quang Ngai Province when two of Captain Draude’s platoons came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from a well concealed and entrenched Viet Cong unit of company size. Without hesitation, Captain Draude immediately moved to the point of contact to observe the hamlet and to personally supervise the maneuver of his Company. Realizing the strength of the enemy, he withdrew his units to a safe position and effectively used every supporting weapon available to him to annihilate the enemy positions. In the late daylight hours, Captain Draude against attacked the hamlet. With full knowledge of the hazards involved, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while directing the operations of his forces. He moved from position to position, encouraging his men, while setting an example of calmness and courage. In the vigorous assault, the enemy was routed from the hamlet. By the light of the burning huts, Captain Draude swiftly organized his position and swiftly set about retrieving and evacuating the Company’s dead and wounded. Although physically exhausted, Captain Draude searched the burning hamlet to insure that every member of the Command was accounted for. On finding a mortally wounded Marine who had been overlooked earlier, Captain Draude carried the injured man to the evacuation point, 400 meters away. Largely as a result of Captain Draude’s professional ability and stirring example, thirty-one Viet Cong were killed. By his valiant actions, extraordinary courage and inspiring leadership throughout, Captain Draude upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.