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 Sergeant Thomas D. McGee, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 18 April 1969 while serving as a light vehicle commander with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Troop A was engaged in a fierce firefight when suddenly three rocket-propelled grenades slammed into the vehicle in front of Sergeant McGee’s, temporarily immobilizing it, and seriously wounding most of the men. Medics arrived to help the wounded men, but immediately came under hostile fire. Sergeant McGee immediately engaged the enemy killing six enabling the drive of the other vehicle to maneuver out of danger, and the medics to treat the injured men. Resuming the assault Sergeant McGee took the lead and constantly exposed himself to the hostile fire as he placed effective suppressive fire upon the enemy. His vehicle was suddenly struck by an enemy grenade and small arms fire that destroyed his communications. Due to the close proximity of the friendly elements, he could not fire his main weapons, so he returned fire with his personal weapon. A nearby assault vehicle threw a track. Reacting instantly, Sergeant McGee maneuvered his vehicle to provide protection while the crew tried to make repairs. Seeing that the repairs could not be made, Sergeant McGee leaped off his vehicle and began hooking the two vehicles together when a rocket-grenade slammed into the position, seriously wounding him. Ignoring the intense pain, he continued his work, refusing to be evacuated. Sergeant McGee’s gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.