The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign Albert P. Thomas, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action with the Third Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division during the assault on Tarawa, 20 to 23 November 1943. As commander of the first wave of boats of a landing team, Ensign Thomas maintained complete control although wounded by two direct hits which killed many of his men. He embarked troops, aided wounded men to positions behind the boat, dispatched them to places of safety, and then swam to the pier and was rescued. Though greatly weakened, his first thought was of aid for three wounded men left on his boat. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.