The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Thomas W. Krimminger, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Attack, Squadron THREE HUNDRED ELEVEN, Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 22 April 1968, Major Krimminger launched as Wingman in a flight of two A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to provide close air support for elements of the United States Army 101st Airborne Division. The friendly unit was deploying for an assault upon a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified positions in the village of Thon Kim Doi, twelve miles northwest of Phy Bai. Arriving over the designated area, he was informed by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) that the proximity of friendly and enemy positions would require precise ordnance delivery. Despite adverse weather conditions, Major Krimminger unhesitatingly commenced a series of determined attacks upon the hostile emplacements, and on the second approach, his aircraft suddenly came under an intense volume of hostile fire. Disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly maneuvered his Skyhawk over the hazardous target area, delivering his ordnance with devastating effectiveness and silencing the enemy fire. When the controller diverted him to a second target, Major Krimminger, expended his remaining bombs with pinpoint accuracy and then fearlessly executed a strafing run upon the North Vietnamese Army positions. His superb airmanship and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his flight accounting for approximately a platoon of North Vietnamese soldiers killed and numerous enemy structures destroyed. Major Krimminger’s courage, superior aeronautical ability, and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger contributed significantly in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.