The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Richard A. Thomas (ASN: 0-5335163), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Thomas distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 July 1968 when his cavalry troop was ambushed during a movement from Tay Ninh to Cu Chi. Lieutenant Thomas was riding with the troop commander in an armored personnel carrier when the column was attacked by a reinforced North Vietnamese company firing antitank rockets, automatic weapons and small arms. Within fifteen seconds the commander had been wounded by a rocket. Moments later another one stuck the vehicle, hurling Lieutenant Thomas to the ground. With complete disregard for his safety, he fully exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire and climbed back into the damaged track to reestablish contact with other elements of the column. He then called for gunship support and aircraft to evacuate the wounded. Shortly after reorganizing the unit and receiving air support, his vehicle was again hit by antitank fire, seriously wounding him in the arm. Refusing to be medically evacuated, he moved from vehicle to vehicle, ignoring the continuing fusillade to encourage his men and aid in the extraction of the other casualties. First Lieutenant Thomas’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.