The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Thomas Eugene Bickford (MCSN: 0-96171), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Artillery Forward Observer with the Third Battalion, Eleventh Marines, attached to Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, on 18 and 25 September 1966, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 September, during Operation PRAIRIE, near the Dong Ha Mountains in Quang Tri Province, Second Lieutenant Bickford, serving as the Forward Observer and Executive Officer for Company G, was supervising the clearing of a landing zone for supply helicopters when his unit came under heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. During the attack, the supply aircraft arrived over the landing site and commenced their approach. Realizing the danger of enemy fire to the vulnerable helicopters, Second Lieutenant Bickford, armed with a rifle, sprinted to the center of the landing site and, with complete disregard for his own safety, began waving his arms and firing the rifle in an attempt to divert the aircraft. Although his daring actions resulted in increased enemy fire on his position, he courageously remained in the area until the pilots observed his warning and pulled away from the zone. His heroic actions undoubtedly saved the helicopters from damage and prevented possible injury to their crews. Almost immediately, the Company’s positions began receiving intense enemy mortar fire. Completely disregarding the hazardous fire, Second Lieutenant Bickford moved throughout his unit, positioning his men and directing medical treatment for the wounded. On 25 September, the Company was establishing a defensive position on a hill when they were taken under heavy enemy recoilless rifle and mortar fire. Quickly assessing the situation, Second Lieutenant Bickford left the relative safety of his position and advanced twenty-five meters to an exposed vantage point where he directed effective counter battery fire which destroyed the enemy weapons. His inspiring courage and outstanding leadership in these combat situations were instrumental in preventing heavy casualties to his fellow Marines. By his professional competence, initiative and loyal devotion to duty in the face of enemy fire, Second Lieutenant Bickford upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.