The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Thomas Ellis Livingston (MCSN: 2094261), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 February 1968, Sergeant Livingston’s platoon was assaulting a well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force in the city of Hue when his unit’s advance was temporarily halted by intense small arms, automatic weapons and rocket fire from the hostile force. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Sergeant Livingston unhesitatingly exposed himself to the heavy volume of enemy fire and moved forward to direct the employment of his squad. Boldly maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain, throwing hand grenades at the enemy, he rallied his men and led a determined assault against the hostile force, overrunning the enemy emplacements and routing the North Vietnamese soldiers. Subsequently, on 8 February, while leading an assault on another enemy position, Sergeant Livingston was seriously wounded. Disregarding his painful injuries, he steadfastly continued to direct his squad’s attack, while shouting words of encouragement to his men until he was medically evacuated. His superb leadership and bold initiative were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Sergeant Livingston upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.