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 Major (Armor) Thomas Richard Middaugh (ASN: 0-96979), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with a hostile force on 20 February 1969 while serving as S-3 Officer with the 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date when he received word that a friendly ambush patrol had spotted an enemy force, Major Middaugh immediately flew to the area and began placing devastating suppressive fire on the hostile positions. After keeping the enemy troops pinned down until helicopter gunships arrived at the scene of the contact, he directed his pilot to begin shuttling ground troops into the battle area. Realizing that he knew the enemy positions best, Major Middaugh disembarked with the friendly troops and directed their deployment. When two of his men were wounded, he exposed himself to the hostile fire in order to guide the evacuation helicopter into the landing zone. As the fierce firefight continued and the friendly force began running low on ammunition, Major Middaugh organized his men into a night defensive position and directed re-supply ships into the area. Major Middaugh’s outstanding courage and unwavering dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.