The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Thomas H. Harvey, Jr. (MCSN: 0-13059), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Empress Augusta Bay Area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands on 7 November 1943. Leading his platoon in an aggressive assault through enemy lines, First Lieutenant Harvey courageously hunted down Japanese through swamp and jungle terrain in rear areas and, despite the danger of being cut off by the reforming enemy, remained after nightfall to harass hostile supply lines. Although the fire arms of his platoon were rendered useless by clogging mud he raided supply parties throughout the night using only knives and bayonets, thereby causing consternation among enemy forces and greatly weakening their resistance. Before dawn, First Lieutenant Harvey withdrew his men and led them to the sea and dispatched a messenger who swam around the flan of the enemy’s position to obtain boats and affect the rescue of his platoon without a single casualty. His inspiring leadership, courage and unselfish devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.