The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Thomas W. Durham (MCSN: 2486190), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Grenadier with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 27 March 1969, Private First Class Durham’s platoon was conducting a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army platoon. As the Marines assaulted the enemy position, their advance was halted by the intense hostile fire. Disregarding his own safety, Private First Class Durham boldly charged the enemy emplacements, inspiring his fellow Marines to join him in continuing the attack. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he shouted words of encouragement to his comrades as he delivered accurate M-79 grenade launcher fire against the enemy, killing two hostile soldiers. Continuing his determined efforts, he repeatedly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire as he assaulted other hostile emplacements, and as he was directing the fire of his companions at the hostile positions, he was mortally wounded. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Durham contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.