The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Robert L. Thoms (MCSN: 1951269), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 February 1968 during Operations Hue City, Company D was assaulting the heavily defended Arch Tower along the fortified eastern wall of the Citadel when it came under intense enemy fire. Repeatedly exposing himself to the heavy volume of hand grenades and automatic weapons fire, Staff Sergeant Thons led a squad forward and skillfully maneuvered his men to within thirty meters of the objective. When his attack was momentarily halted due to casualties and the increasing intensity of hostile fire, he moved to the point of heaviest contact and aggressively led an assault against the tower. Although wounded by hand grenade fragments, Staff Sergeant Thoms selflessly refused medical treatment and resolutely continued the attack despite continuous North Vietnamese fire. Inspired by his fearless leadership and aggressive fighting spirit, his men successfully routed the enemy and seized the tower. After establishing a hasty defense, he redistributed ammunition and supervised the evacuation of the wounded. Despite intense North Vietnamese mortar and rocket fire throughout the night, he maintained his position until directed to withdraw. Wounded a second time by enemy mortar fragments, he steadfastly refused medical evacuation and remained with his platoon to lead it in an aggressive counterattack the following morning, completely routing the North Vietnamese. By his dynamic leadership, dauntless courage and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Staff Sergeant Thoms contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.