The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Thomas M. Tigue (MCSN: 0-106391), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 February 1969, Company K was assaulting North Vietnamese Army positions on Hill 178 in the Ashau Valley when Second Lieutenant Tigue’s platoon came under intense automatic weapons fire and was temporarily pinned down. Analyzing the platoon’s situation, Second Lieutenant Tigue unhesitatingly advanced across the fire-swept area to the point of heaviest contact. Quickly scanning the terrain, he then boldly moved to a forward position dangerously exposed to hostile fire and emplaced a claymore mine in the enemy’s probable route of advance and then began maneuvering his platoon to more advantageous positions. As the pursuing North Vietnamese moved into the killing zone of the previously set mind, Second Lieutenant Tigue detonated it, and rallying his Marines, he led an aggressive assault through the small force and against the remaining enemy, shouting words of encouragement to his men as he boldly directed them in seizing the objective and accounting for five North Vietnamese soldiers killed. His resolute determination and bold fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, superb leadership and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second Lieutenant Tigue upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.