The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Thomas H. Lyon (MCSN: 1372440), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as the Platoon Commander, First Platoon, Company H, Battalion Landing Team 2/7. On 21 September 1968, Gunner Sergeant Lyon led his platoon on a mission to rescue a squad of Marines that were trapped and pinned down by an estimated enemy company that was defending a regimental command post and communications complex from well-fortified positions. Upon reaching the trapped squad’s position, he deployed his platoon and set up a base-of-fire. He then fearlessly led assaults against the enemy on his left and right flanks. After relieving the pressure on his flanks, Gunnery Sergeant Lyon led two fierce but unsuccessful assaults against the main enemy positions to his front. After being ordered to withdraw, he directed a coordinated and orderly withdrawal while under fire, personally leading the rear element back to friendly lines. Due to his inspiring leadership, Gunnery Sergeant Lyon’s platoon rescued the entire trapped squad and inflicted such severe damage to the enemy that they soon abandoned the battle area, leaving their dead, wounded, and important equipment. By his personal courage and selfless devotion to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Lyon reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.