The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas J. Newby (MCSN: 2293178), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Combined Action Platoon 2-1-5, III Marine Amphibious Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on the morning of 23 February 1969. Private First Class Newby’s platoon was returning from a night ambush position in Quang Nam Province when it was pinned down by intense grenade and automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed hostile force. Observing a wounded Marine lying in a dangerously exposed position, Private First Class Newby fearlessly moved across the fire-swept terrain, delivering highly effective suppressive fire as he advanced beyond the injured man and approached a paddy dike, Undaunted by the fragment wounds sustained from two exploding grenades, he boldly continued his advance while delivering fire against the hostile position. Another grenade bounced off his flak jacket and detonated behind him, wounding and immobilizing him. Resolutely inserting a fresh magazine of ammunition in his rifle, Private First Class Newby resumed firing until he killed the hostile soldier who had thrown the grenade. Ignoring his painful injuries, he gallantly continued to fight from his forward position and drew the concentrated fire of the enemy, thereby enabling his platoon to reorganize and launch an aggressive assault through the entrenched hostile force. By is courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty Private First Class Newby inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.