The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joseph M. Thurow, Jr. (MCSN: 540215), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Radio Operator in Headquarters Company, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 14 May 1945. Accompanying his Company Commander on a reconnaissance of front line positions when the enemy attempted a large scale infiltration at dusk and the Company Commander was seriously wounded, Private First Class Thurow accurately reported the tactical situation by radio despite heavy enemy fire falling in the vicinity and after completing the report and aiding in removing the Company Commander to a covered position, continued to transmit valuable information concerning the attack until a shell fragment struck his radio and rendered it inoperative. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.