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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas Henry Gentinne (ASN: 0/5352729/54965301), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Gentinne distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 12 May 1969, Company A was in a night position near the rock quarry northwest of the Oasis. At approximately 2000 hours Company A began receiving incoming rounds consisting of mortars, rockets and recoilless rifle fire. Immediately, Lieutenant Gentinne, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved through the intense barrage of incoming rounds to better position his men for an expected ground assault by the North Vietnamese. Lieutenant Gentinne then directed his platoon’s fire upon the suspected enemy rocket, mortar and recoilless rifle positions. While courageously braving the enemy fire to better position himself, First Lieutenant Gentinne was mortally wounded by an incoming enemy recoilless rifle round. First Lieutenant Gentinne’s personal bravery, outstanding performance and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.