The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Master Sergeant Harold O’Briene Thrift (ASN: RA-25143252), United States Army, for meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force during the period March 1967 to September 1968 while serving as Operations Advisor, Duc My Ranger Training Center, Advisory Team 40, Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Thrift’s efficient supervision of routine operational and administrative mattes allowed the remainder of the advisors to spend more time working with their counterparts and contributed directly to the advisory team’s morale. The result of his outstanding organizational ability was a well planned, unified advisory effort. In addition to his assigned duties, Sergeant Thrift actively participated in the advisory effort. He assisted several advisors in revising programs of instruction and prepared numerous lesson plans for the training center. His attention to detail was instrumental in the final preparation of those documents for publication. Because of his vast military experience, Sergeant Thrift was called on to help organize Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol training. He was able to locate and obtain various items of equipment necessary for training through his own resources. Master Sergeant Thrift’s performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Master Sergeant Harold O’Briene Thrift (ASN: RA-25143252), United States Army, for meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force during the period July 1968 to July 1970 while serving as Senior Enlisted Advisor, Duc My Ranger Training Center, Training Center Division, Training Directorate, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. During this period, Sergeant Thrift performed his duties of advising senior Vietnamese enlisted personnel assigned to the advisory detachment in an outstanding manner. His organizational ability contributed immeasurably toward the achievement of a well-planned, unified and respected advisory effort. He insured that there was a smooth flow of information between the assigned advisors, and that all routine operations and administration were completed on time. His exceptional knowledge of weapons instruction proved invaluable when a special course on Quick Fire was presented by the Ranger Training Center to all training centers in Vietnam. He acted as the principal demonstrator and as key assistant instructor and contributed significantly to the success of the special course. His professional competence, resourcefulness and dedication served as an example for all to emulate. Master Sergeant Thrift’s performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.