The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas C. Kirtley (ASN: 1935046), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 8 June and during the early morning hours of 9 June 1953, elements of Company A had the mission of effecting an ambush patrol against the enemy in the vicinity of Unjang-Ni, Korea. Shortly after the group gained their positions, contact was made with a large enemy force. During the ensuing fire fight, Lieutenant Kirtley, officer in charge of the support element, remained in an exposed position to call in highly effective mortar and artillery concentrations upon the onrushing foe. Later, as he led his group forward, he discovered a hostile soldier lying directly in their path. Not knowing if the man was dead or alive, Lieutenant Kirtley, with complete disregard for his personal safety, advanced toward the soldier. Suddenly, the man began to fire at Lieutenant Kirtley, who immediately returned the fire and mortally wounded the foe. Again leading his men forward, he observed an enemy soldier about to throw a grenade into their group. Lieutenant Kirtley immediately disposed of him and thereby saved the lives of many of his men. Lieutenant Kirtley’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.