The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas Hayden Murphy, Jr. (MCSN: 2393162), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with 60-mm. Mortar Section, Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 31 July 1968, during Operation Mameluke Thrust, Company L became heavily engaged with a large enemy force while occupying a night defensive position in Quang Nam Province. As his mortar squad prepared for a fire mission, a hostile hand grenade suddenly landed next to Private First Class Murphy. Realizing the danger to his companions, he unhesitatingly retrieved the lethal object and hurled it toward the hostile soldiers. Although the grenade detonated only seconds after being thrown, Private First Class Murphy’s quick action and sincere concern for his fellow Marines prevented his squad from sustaining any casualties. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Private First Class Murphy upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.