The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas Gatlin (MCSN: 1993968), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a scout with the 1st Platoon, Company A, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, in the vicinity of DaNang, Republic of Vietnam on 12 July 1965. Deep in Viet Cong insurgent territory, Private First Class Gatlin and another Marine, coming under intense machine gun and automatic rifle fire from concealed enemy positions, took cover in a ditch. Realizing that the point of the patrol was being swept by enemy fire in an open field ahead of his position, Private First Class Gatlin tried several times to move into the field to assist, but was unable to do so because of the heavy volume of fire being received. Exposing himself to the enemy fire, he killed or wounded an estimated three Viet Cong. Upon learning that two Marines of the point had been seriously wounded and the Company Commander killed in the field ahead of him, Private First Class Gatlin jumped from the ditch and moved into the fire swept field. Completely disregarding the enemy fire, and fully realizing the risk to his life, he assisted in the recovery of his slain commander, bringing the body back to cover. Again entering the field, he aided the two wounded Marines in reaching protective cover. Through the help of Private First Class Gatlin, the dead and wounded were evacuated to the helicopter landing zone approximately 200 meters to the rear along a route covered by enemy fire. Upon reaching this area, Private First Class Gatlin laid down covering fire until all were loaded on board the helicopter, at which time he was ordered to board the aircraft. His presence of mind and immediate response to all situations had a direct bearing on the safe recovery of two wounded Marines, and the body of a Company Commander, and was an inspiration to all who observed him. BY his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of personal risk, Private First Class Gatlin upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.