The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas E. Gwynn (ASN: 0-1996622), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 17 May 1951 in the vicinity of Panmegi-ri, Korea. Lieutenant Gwynn was leading a three-man assault to retake his platoon position which the enemy had overrun. With his two comrades, he personally led an attack against the positions, which were defended by an overwhelming enemy force, while under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. Despite the great odds and intense enemy fire, the three reached and secured, for a time, the platoon command post. When the enemy recovered from the initial shock, they massed and, attacking furiously forced the trio to withdraw to their new position. The aggressive and bold action taken by Lieutenant Gwynn sufficiently delayed the enemy to permit the platoon to reorganize and remove its numerous wounded who otherwise could not have been saved. The gallantry and outstanding leadership displayed by Lieutenant Gwynn reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas E. Gwynn (ASN: 0-1996622), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On that date, Lieutenant Gwynn, acting as Commanding Officer, led his company in an attack against a well fortified enemy force. Advancing to within one hundred yards of the objective the unit was pinned down by intense enemy mortar, grenade, and automatic weapons fire. Lieutenant Gwynn repeatedly exposed himself to enemy observation to instill courage in his men and directed their attack. His valiant efforts resulted in many enemy casualties but the overwhelming enemy fire forced his company to withdraw. Despite the fact that he was painfully wounded Lieutenant Gwynn directed the withdrawal of his unit. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Gwynn reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.