The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Thomas M. McGrail (ASN: 0-39875), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 17 July 1950, near Taejon, Korea. By infiltration and flanking movement the enemy had established a strongly defended road block in rear of front line troops which denied the use of the main supply route, cut off the route of withdrawal for friendly troops and had trapped the wounded at the regimental collecting station. Lieutenant Colonel McGrail organized two companies with armored support which he volunteered to lead. Prior to reaching the main road block, a second roadblock was encountered, which stopped the vehicles of the two companies and destroyed two friendly tanks. Lieutenant Colonel McGrail continued to lead his remaining tanks forward while under heavy anti-tank and machinegun fire and upon reaching the main road block placed his weapons in positions to neutralize enemy fire and to place smoke on enemy observation posts. He quickly organized the vehicles which had been trapped, placed the wounded in the column and ordered their withdrawal. Following this, he again returned to the rifle companies to continue the fight against the enemy. The calm, outstanding leadership, while under enemy fire, displayed by Lieutenant Colonel McGrail was instrumental in the safe withdrawal of approximately 200 men and a great amount of material while inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.