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 (Armor) Thomas R. Hammerstone, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving as the Troop Commander of Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while on a reconnaissance mission, Captain Hammerstone’s unit engaged a large enemy force. In the first few moments of contact, Captain Hammerstone was seriously wounded in the hand, face and shoulders. Despite his serious wounds, Captain Hammerstone remained in control of his unit in their assault upon the enemy positions. Only when he had become temporarily blinded from his wounds, did he relinquish his command. Even then he refused medical attention until all of his troops were accounted for and the seriously wounded evacuated. Captain Hammerstone’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.