The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas J. McNamara, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, Headquarters Company, 327th Glider Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, on 25 December 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge near Bastogne, Belgium. Private McNamara’s company was in a defensive position and under a concentrated attack by an aggressive enemy force which had surrounded the command post and caused several casualties when it broke through established lines and cut off a vital forward position. Voluntarily and without regard for his own personal safety, Private McNamara promptly moved to the front and, in full view of the enemy and exposed to the severe enemy action, effectively directed counter fire on enemy positions. He remained in that position for two hours, and the vital information he furnished enabled mortar gun crews to accurately inflict damaging fire power which neutralized and thwarted the vicious enemy attack. Acting quickly he then utilize captured enemy prisoners and removed his injured fellow soldiers to a place of safety. Private McNamara’s brave and heroic actions, unselfish courage and exemplary conduct in battle are in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the military service.