The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Thomas C. Gosch (MCSN: 0-96807), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with the First Armored Amphibian Company, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 February 1968, Lieutenant Gosch’s platoon was positioned near the mouth of the Cua Viet River when it came under a heavy enemy artillery and rocket attack. Two hostile rounds struck an amphibian tractor, setting it ablaze and detonating its load of 105-mm. ammunition and additional ammunition in a nearby storage area. Observing a truck loaded with 105-mm. white phosphorus rounds parked near the burning vehicle, Lieutenant Gosch, realizing the imminent danger to the truck, its cargo, and adjacent men and equipment, unhesitatingly ran through continuing enemy fire and falling debris and drove the truck to a position of relative safety. Fearlessly returning to the hazardous area, he directed the removal of the remaining five vehicles and equipment and ensured the safety of all personnel. Quickly organizing him en, he then led fire-fighting teams in extinguished the numerous blazes which had ignited the platoon’s main ammunition storage bunkers and living quarters while simultaneously continuing to direct his unit’s counter fire against the enemy. Repeatedly exposing himself to the danger from exploding ordnance and enemy rounds, he assisted explosive ordnance disposal personnel in locating and clearing activated and extremely sensitive ordnance which was scattered throughout the area. His timely and heroic actions prevented numerous Marine casualties and destruction of valuable equipment. By his inspiring leadership, dauntless courage at great personal risk, and loyal devotion to duty, Lieutenant Gosch upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.