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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas N. Bedient, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Bedient distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 3 June 1969 while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company D, 4th Battalion, 3d Infantry Regiment. On that date, the company was conducting combat operations near An Lo when it came under intense fire from a well-fortified enemy force. Reacting immediately, Lieutenant Bedient exposed himself to the hostile fire, moving prom position to position to direct his platoon’s retaliatory fire against the insurgents. Observing one of his wounded men fall in an open area, Lieutenant Bedient braved the enemy fusillade and moved toward the injured man. Upon reaching the man, he evacuated him to a secure area and administered first aid until a medic arrived. When his element began receiving sniper fire, Lieutenant Bedient, despite the danger involved, maneuvered toward the hostile emplacement. After throwing a hand grenade at the enemy position, Lieutenant Bedient assaulted the emplacement and killed the insurgent. First Lieutenant Bedient’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division and the United States Army.

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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas N. Bedient, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Bedient distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 27 March 1969 while serving as the reconnaissance platoon leader with Company E, 4th Battalion, 3d Infantry Regiment. On that date, the platoon was conducting a search and clear mission near An Tho when it came under intensefire from an enemy force of undetermined size. Despite the hostile fire impacting throughout the area, Lieutenant Bedient maneuvered to each of his men, offering words of encouragement and checking for casualties. Then, with complete disregard for his personal safety, he assaulted the enemy position, throwing hand grenades and firing his weapon to completely silence it. As the platoon was withdrawing to a better position, it came under heavy sniper fire. Lieutenant Bedient, taking immediate action, exposed himself to the hostile barrage to provide covering fire for his platoon. His outstanding leadership and courageous actions were responsible for repelling the enemy attack while keeping friendly casualties to a minimum. First Lieutenant Bedient’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division and the United States Army.