The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Thomas W. Kustaborder (MCSN: 2421708), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gun Squad Leader with Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 February 1969, during Operation Dewey Canyon, Company K was maneuvering to seize high ground near Ka Koa in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of mortar, rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons fire from a North Vietnamese Army force occupying well-fortified positions and sustained several casualties. Unhesitatingly snatching up the machine gun from a fallen comrade, Corporal Kustaborder initiated an aggressive assault upon one hostile position after another, killing four enemy soldiers and destroying two machine guns. Completely disregarding the hostile rounds detonating nearby, he was resolutely advancing upon still another emplacement, when he was mortally wounded by North Vietnamese mortar fire. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Kustaborder inspired all who observed him 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.