(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Sergeant Thomas E. Machulda (MCSN: 1114301), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the First Force Reconnaissance Company, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Thomas E. Machulda (MCSN: 1114301), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the First Force Reconnaissance Company, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 February 1968, Sergeant Machulda was a member of a convoy proceeding toward Phu Bai when the Marines suddenly came under intense small arms, mortar and recoilless rifle fire from a battalion size enemy force. Immediately halting his vehicle, he quickly dismounted and began delivering suppressive fire at the hostile emplacements. Observing a Viet Cong soldier approaching his position with a hand grenade, he permitted the man to approach within ten meters and killed the enemy soldier with accurate rifle fire. Undaunted by the hostile fire impacting around him, he fearlessly exposed himself to the enemy fire and, while throwing hand grenades at the hostile positions, was painfully wounded in the leg. Informed that four enemy soldiers were approaching his position, he disregarded his painful injury and moved into the line of hostile fire. When the soldiers had approached within fifty meters of his position, he directed a heavy volume of fire upon the men, killing one of the enemy and forcing the others to flee in panic and confusion. Sergeant Machulda’s courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger were instrumental in preventing the Marines from being overrun and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.