The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Thomas F. Hinkle (MCSN: 0-86682), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving Commanding Officer of Company M, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 9 February 1969, Captain Hinkle was directed to cross the Da Krong River in Quang Tri Province to seize and hold the high ground on the opposite side in support of Operation DEWEY CANYON. As the Second Platoon, operating as the lead element, crossed the river and maneuvered toward the objective, the Marines came under a heavy volume of mortar and automatic weapons fire accompanied by rocket-propelled grenades from a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army force. Rapidly assessing the situation, Captain Hinkle deployed his First Platoon to the aid of the lead element and, skillfully adjusting air strikes and supporting artillery fire upon the hostile unit, enabled his men to regroup and establish a night defensive position. Early the following morning, he deployed the Third Platoon and command group across the river in a brilliant strategic maneuver to divert the attention of the enemy and, while the North Vietnamese Army force concentrated its attention on the new units, Captain Hinkle initiated an aggressive assault upon the hostile elements, fearlessly moving among his Marines to shout words of encouragement to them and direct their accurate fire. His timely and imaginative actions inspired all who observed him and enabled his men to account for twenty-eight enemy soldiers killed and countless others wounded. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Hinkle was instrumental in the successful seizure of the objective and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.