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 Thomas P. Reiley (ASN: RA-6070125), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 74th Tank Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 2 February 1945, near *****, Germany. During the advance the tank platoon came under enemy tank and anti-tank fire which knocked out two tanks. Sergeant Reiley’s tank and the two remaining tanks went into defilade behind a building. Sergeant Reiley’s tank was the most exposed but remained in this position in order to cover the remaining two tanks. His tank received eight hits by enemy 88 shells which killed one, seriously wounded another of the crew, and blew Sergeant Reiley out of his tank. Despite the enemy mortar and artillery fire and his own wounds, Sergeant Reiley re-mounted his tank and evacuated the seriously wounded crew member to shelter and secured medical aid for him. Sergeant Reiley’s gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.