The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Thomas H. Staples (MCSN: 0-103818), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 29 January 1968, Second Lieutenant Staples was moving his platoon across a field covered with high elephant grass while participating in a clearing mission northeast of An Hoa in Quang Nam Province. Subsequently, as the Marines moved through the area, an enemy explosive device was inadvertently detonated, severely wounding two men. Realizing that his unit had entered an enemy mine field, Second Lieutenant Staples displayed exceptional presence of mind in immediately halting his platoon’s movement and courageously advancing to aid his wounded men. Assured by a corpsman that they were being administered appropriate emergency first aid treatment; Second Lieutenant Staples then skillfully maneuvered his supporting tanks and amphibian vehicles into position to provide landing zone security for the emergency medical evacuation helicopter which he had requested. Then, with complete disregard for his own safety, he began moving through the hazardous mine field in order that all elements of his widely dispersed unit could hear his instructions above the noise of the supporting vehicles when he detonated another mine and was mortally wounded. By his fearless courage in the face of great personal danger, outstanding professionalism and selfless concern for his fellowman, Second Lieutenant Staples 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.