The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Thomas J. Verran (ASN: RA-16338060), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 23 March 1953, a platoon of Company I, 3d Battalion, of which Sergeant Verran was assistant platoon sergeant, was assigned the mission of defending their positions on “Outpost Dick”, in the vicinity of Manyon-Ni, Korea. When the objective was subjected to an attack by enemy forces, Sergeant Verran observed his platoon sergeant and another soldier seriously wounded, leaving a gap in the defense. Sergeant Verran aided in sealing the breach and delivered effective fire at the onrushing foe. When the hostile forces withdrew, Sergeant Verran followed in pursuit, firing upon the retreating foe and assisted in capturing two enemy soldiers. He then returned to his platoon, reorganizing his men and helped in the evacuation of the wounded. Sergeant Verran’s outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty reflects 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 Master Sergeant Thomas J. Verran (ASN: RA-16338060), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the morning of 26 May 1953, volunteer elements of the 3d Battalion had the mission of attacking an enemy-held position in the vicinity of Manyon-Ni, Korea, to capture a prisoner for intelligence purposes. When the raiding party charged up the hill, Sergeant Verran, a squad leader of the assault squad, effectively fired his weapon and directed his men in their assigned tasks. As the group moved along the ridge, he frequently exposed himself to enemy fire in order to locate and destroy an enemy bunker. Upon reaching the reverse slope of the hill, he and his men observed an ammunition supply point and completely destroyed it. It was at this time that Sergeant Verran’s comrade was wounded by an enemy grenade. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Verran immediately ran to his stricken comrade’s side and provided covering fire until he had been safely evacuated. Sergeant Verran’s outstanding gallantry and untiring devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.