The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

 

SILVER STAR MEDAL to

 

CORPORAL THOMAS R. RUDISILL

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

 

For service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION:

 

           "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company K, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 9 March 1969, Corporal Rudisill’s squad was preparing to withdraw from a night ambush site near Mai Loc in Quang Nam Province when the Marines encountered a company size North Vietnamese Army force.  Reacting immediately, he repositioned his men in a defensive perimeter and directed their fire at the advancing enemy.  Completely disregarding his own safety, he maneuvered across the fire-swept area to a vantage point from which he could better direct the efforts of his squad.  Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting nearby, he fearlessly remained in his dangerously exposed position until it proved to be untenable.  Skillfully deploying his men to more advantageous terrain, he continued to supervise his unit’s defense and offer words of encouragement to his Marines.  His heroic and timely actions were instrumental in the defeat of the numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force while accounting for over twenty enemy soldiers confirmed killed and one capture.  By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Rudisill inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."

 

FOR THE PRESIDENT

 

 

H. W. BUSE, JR

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC