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 Specialist Fourth Class Thomas L. Perkins, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 14 February 1970 while serving as a combat medic with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while on a reconnaissance mission the troop came under intense mortar, rocket propelled grenade and automatic weapons fire from an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese soldiers. During the initial moments of contact the well-entrenched enemy inflicted many casualties upon the friendly element. Noticing several wounded soldiers to his front, Specialist Perkins, dismounted his vehicle and ran to their aid. Even though he was receiving direct fire from the enemy position he made numerous trips, carrying the wounded to his vehicle. Specialist Perkins was notified of injured soldiers lying near an enemy bunker. He immediately left the protective cover of his vehicle and made his way to the injured soldiers. While he received fire from the bunker, he directed the main gun of a tank, which quickly eliminated the entrenchment. Specialist Perkins then gave the wounded personnel first aid and began to assist them to relatively safe area. Though he was constantly brought under fire he remained undaunted in his attempts to save human lives. Specialist Four Perkins’ 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.