The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Thomas E. Shanahan (ASN: US-51001745), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 September 1951 in the vicinity of Pia-ri, Korea. On this date Company C was in defensive positions under a fierce attack by a numerically superior enemy force. Upon being informed that there was dire need for battle experienced men, Sergeant Shanahan, a cook, voluntarily left his position of comparative safety and assumed his place on the firing line. During the ensuing action, he observed an unmanned machine gun and immediately secured it. Disregarding the intense hostile fire, he delivered an accurate and effective fire on the onrushing hostile forces, inflicting numerous casualties upon them. Despite several counterattacks by the determined enemy, Sergeant Shanahan remained in his position until the enemy forces were forced to abandon their mission. His courageous actions were an inspiration to the men of his unit and greatly aided in repulsing the hostile attacks. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Shanahan on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.