The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas Speers (ASN: 0-800179), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while attached to Company C, 43d Infantry Regiment, Philippine Army. Second Lieutenant Speers displayed gallantry in action on 15 January 1942, in Bataan, Philippine Islands. When the company commander was killed, Lieutenant Speers took command and led a counterattack which eliminated an enemy penetration in the main line of resistance. Although killed in the action, Second Lieutenant Speers’ bravery was an inspiration to the entire regiment.