Thomas N. Padden, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Thomas N. Padden Jr., First Lieutenant Infantry United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: On this date, Lieutenant Padden was serving as a platoon leader with his company on an operation to reinforce another unit which was heavily engaged with a North Vietnamese Army force. As his element approached the area of contact, it was suddenly subjected to a vicious automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fusillade. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Padden maneuvered through the hail of hostile rounds and led his men on line toward the insurgents. While advancing, a raging grass fire separated several friendly casualties from the main body of the company. Braving the aggressor barrage raking the area and ignoring the intense flames, Lieutenant Padden moved forward through the blaze and assisted in carrying the wounded to a more tenable location. He then organized and secured a landing zone for the rapid evacuation of the casualties. His selfless courage and heroic determination significantly contributed to the successful outcome of the encounter. First Lieutenant Padden’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.