Thomas M. Curran

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Thomas M. Curran, Captain, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Curran distinguished himself by heroic actions on 18 March 1967, while serving as a pathfinder supporting an extraction of an infantry unit that was in danger of being encircled by a numerically superior Viet Cong force north of Duc Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. After conducting four lifts without incident, hostile small arms and rifle grenade fire were directed on the pick up zone. Captain Curran continuously traversed the area under heavy fire, consolidating troop positions and directing defensive fire. As the final extraction was in progress, with only forty-two personnel remaining in the pickup zone, Captain Curran again exposed himself to the enemy fire to pin-point enemy positions. He relayed these locations to armed helicopters, thereby directing accurate suppressive fire and allowing a successful extraction with only minimum casualties. Captain Curran’s actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918, and USARV message 16695, 1 July 1966.