The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas J. Mortimer (ASN: RA-17260475), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 30 January 1951 in the vicinity of Sinchon, Korea. Private Mortimer was a member of a patrol which, attacked and surrounded by a numerically superior enemy, formed a perimeter defense on high ground. When the only machine gun with the patrol was threatened by a strong enemy assault, Private Mortimer left his position and, under intense hostile fire, went to the aid of the gunner. The enemy concentrated their efforts to destroy the machine gun and the gunner soon exhausted his ammunition. With the enemy advancing toward the gun, Private Mortimer charged fearlessly into their midst with fixed bayonet, inflicting heavy losses upon them and single-handedly causing them to withdraw. Largely as a result of his heroic action his patrol was able to break out of the enemy trap. The gallantry displayed by Private Mortimer reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.