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 T. Gibson (ASN: US-53284777), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Specialist Fourth Class Gibson distinguished himself by heroic actions on 25 October 1967, while serving as a rifleman with Company B, 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23d Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a search and destroy operation Specialist Gibson’s company encountered intense hostile fire consisting of anti-tank rockets and automatic weapons. Specialist Gibson’s squad immediately assaulted the enemy positions but was repelled suffering heavy casualties. Observing that a machine gunner on another armored personnel carrier had been wounded, Specialist Gibson exposed himself to the intense enemy fire while climbing onto the vehicle and upon reaching the machine gun began placing a devastating volume of suppressive fire on the Viet Cong emplacements. Observing another wounded man he again exposed himself to the hostile fire while running to the wounded man’s position and administering critically needed first aid. Specialist Gibson was later wounded by the blast from an enemy grenade but disregarding his painful wound, he volunteered to take the place of a wounded driver when his platoon was called upon to support another fire fight. During this second action his platoon was forced to withdraw due to a lack of man power but Specialist Gibson continued to support the friendly forces by placing suppressive fire on the enemy fortifications with a grenade launcher. Through Specialist Gibson’s selfless actions and uncommon valor the enemy force was defeated and the mission successfully completed. Specialist Gibson’s personal bravery and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.