The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas K. Rice (MCSN: 1210808), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of a Combat Patrol of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 6 June 1952. When the combat patrol was attacked by a numerically superior hostile force during a mission deep in hostile territory, Private First Class Rice, responsible for the security of the left flank and rear of the patrol, bravely refused to yield ground despite four enemy attempts to penetrate his sector. Although stunned by the concussion of mortar shells and hand grenades and exposed to intense hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire, he defiantly repelled fierce enemy onslaughts which came within six feet of his position, personally killing eight of the attackers and driving off the others. By his outstanding courage, initiative and indomitable fighting spirit, Private First Class Rice served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.