The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas Edmund Shainline (MCSN: 2399720), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Patrol leader with Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 12 December 1968, Private First Class Shainline’s reconnaissance team was conducting a patrol southwest of the Quang Tri Combat Base when the Marines alertly observed enemy movement in a tree line 2,000 meters to their front. Reacting instantly, Private First Class Shainline skillfully directed artillery fire on the hostile soldiers, causing two secondary explosions in the area. Noticing additional enemy activity 100 meters from his position, he swiftly requested additional supporting arms fire through an aerial observer orbiting above the patrol. As the artillery fire routed the hostile soldiers from their positions, Private First Class Shainline led his men in delivering a heavy volume of small arms fire on the enemy, effectively pinning them in the artillery target area. Suddenly aware that a small hostile force was attempting to penetrate the Marine position, he fearlessly led two additional men in a determined assault against the attackers, killing three enemy soldiers and forcing the remainder of them to flee in panic and confusion. Rapidly redeploying his men into a tight perimeter, Private First Class Shainline daringly directed fixed wing air strikes on the prominent terrain features surrounding his position, driving additional hostile soldiers from their concealed positions, and with approaching darkness restricting visibility, he requested helicopter extraction for his patrol. His daring initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his patrol accounting for five enemy soldiers killed without sustaining a single Marine casualty. By his courage, exceptional leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Shainline upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.