The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal [then Private First Class] Richard James Thome (MCSN: 2248778), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 31 January 1967, Lance Corporal Thome was a member of a squad size patrol crossing a large, open rice paddy when the unit was ambushed by a numerically superior enemy force. In the initial burst of fire, several patrol members, including the squad leader, were wounded and fell in an exposed area. Quickly assessing the situation, Lance Corporal Thome exhibited exceptional presence of mind and bold initiative as he assisted in reorganizing the patrol and directing return fire at the enemy positions. Realizing several of the wounded Marines were exposed to hostile fire, he bravely disregarded the intense fire and unhesitatingly rushed to their position, helped them to an area of safety and administered first aid treatment. Subsequently, a reinforcing unit consisting of a squad, an artillery forward observer team and two amphibian tractors joined in the fire fight. While he was loading casualties aboard one of the tractors, Lance Corporal Thome observed that the forward observer and radio operator were mortally wounded. Reacting instantly and with complete disregard for his own safety, he courageously moved across the open, fire-swept terrain, retrieved the radio and called for and adjusted accurate artillery fire. As he was moving the two forward observer team members to the amphibian tractor for evacuation, he noticed that his platoon commander was seriously wounded. Fearlessly, he rushed to the Marine and carried him through a hail of enemy fire to the safety of the amphibian tractor. Throughout, his daring actions and steadfast determination in the face of extreme danger inspired his fellow Marines and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his unwavering devotion to duty, aggressive actions and exceptional courage, Lance Corporal Thome upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.