The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Melvin H. Thomas (MCSN: 820698), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Battery B, First Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), and serving with an infantry company as a scout sergeant of an artillery forward observer team, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 May 1951. During the attack against a well-fortified enemy hill position, the assault elements were subjected to devastating automatic weapons and small arms fire from cleverly concealed hostile gun emplacements, and suffered heavy casualties. When the infantry withdrew to reorganize, Sergeant Thomas remained in a completely exposed position to relay fire commands from the forward observer to the radio operator, materially aiding in bringing down heavy artillery fire upon the enemy emplacements. Realizing that the unit was seriously depleted by casualties when the infantry elements prepared to resume the attack, he unhesitatingly joined the assault squad and led a vicious bayonet charge which completely routed the entrenched hostile troops and secured the strategic position. By his exemplary leadership, outstanding courage and gallant devotion to duty, Sergeant Thomas served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.