The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Thomas Frederick Seebode, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action as a Forward Air Controller in connection with Operation Guu Long 22, with the Seventh Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, and Advisory Team 75 (USA), in the republic of Vietnam on 12 May 1966. On that date, elements of the Seventh Division were pinned down by a superior hostile force. Captain Seebode directed flights of fighters on the hostile forces with precision to within 35 meters of the friendly forces. After he had expended his marking rockets, he flew over the hostile positions dropping smoke grenades from his aircraft window. After he ran out of smoke grenades, he descended his unarmed O-1 spotter aircraft diving directly into the hostile fire and gallantly made low passes over the hostile forces marking their exact locations by the position of his own aircraft . With complete disregard for his personal safety, through intense .50 caliber and light automatic weapons fire, he persevered in his heroic actions marking the hostile targets by the position of his aircraft on these low passes until no more fighter aircraft were immediately available. After refueling and rearming with smoke grenades, he returned to the battle and continued to direct fighters in close air support and marking targets for armed helicopters. Captain Seebode flew six hours in support of the friendly forces and directed 19 sorties of fighters against the hostile forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Seebode has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.