The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] Thomas James Cleary, Jr. (ASN: 0-23998), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in Korea. On 21 May 1951, near Songbong-dong, Korea, as the 2d Battalion moved out in an attack, the enemy counterattacked in the rear. Under the cover of an early morning haze, the hostile forces had infiltrated to within approximately 300 yards of the battalion command post. Colonel Cleary in the command post, called for tank and artillery support and moving to an exposed position under enemy fire, he personally placed the weapons in position. Under his astute guidance the counterfire of the artillery succeeded in repulsing the enemy assault. Colonel Cleary’s heroism and superb leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Thomas James Cleary, Jr. (ASN: 0-23998), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea, in 1951. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Cleary, 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 Army.