The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Thomas C. Wagner, United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam First Lieutenant Wagner distinguished himself while assigned to the 7th Battalion, 15th Artillery serving as a Forward Observer with the 2d Battalion, 42d Regiment, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. For fifteen days, First Lieutenant Wagner moved through enemy infested jungle with the ARVN force on search and destroy missions, adjusting artillery fire, and advising the ARVN unit. While located at Firebase 202 on 1 March 1971, and receiving continuous enemy mortar fire and AK-47 fire, the unit was put in great danger when a helicopter dropped in a load of ammunition for the artillery at the position, when the wind from the jets blew a small cooking fire which ignited an exposed powder pit causing the entire position to become engulfed in flames and exploding 105-mm. artillery rounds on the firebase. First Lieutenant Wagner led the ARVN soldiers out of danger and into the jungle where he was able to control and organize the force into an efficient fighting unit. On the following day, during almost constant barrage of enemy fire, First Lieutenant Wagner exposed himself to enemy fire in aiding the medical evacuation helicopters in extracting wounded ARVN soldiers from the firebase. He continued to disregard his own safety as he coordinated supporting fire for the remaining personnel. First Lieutenant Wagner’s personal bravery and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.