Tomas H. Guffain

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Tomas H. Guffain (0-1287699), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 1 April 1951, while leading his company in an attack to seize Hill 398 near Sopyonchon, Korea, Captain Guffain was confronted with the task of assaulting enemy emplacements over extremely rough terrain. Despite a devastating air attack, the enemy remained strongly entrenched and apparently determined to hold their positions. Captain Guffain, at the beginning of the assault up the hill’s steep slope, moved fearlessly forward, in the face of withering enemy fire, to supervise the action. Realizing the need for effective leadership, Captain Guffain remained close to the leading elements of the attack until they reached the crest of the hill, forcing the enemy to withdraw. The gallantry and courage displayed by Captain Guffain were an inspiration to the men in his command and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.