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 Thomas J. O’Toole (ASN: US-23735206), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 8 July 1953, Private O’Toole was a member of a five man listening post which had taken up a position on contested ground forward of the main line of resistance in the vicinity of Chungmoksil, Korea. As midnight approached, an enemy force of platoon size launched an attack in which they employed automatic weapons and numerous grenades. Private O’Toole, responding at once, mortally wounded three of the enemy in the initial burst of fire and continued to lay heavy and effective fire on the oncoming enemy until his weapon was blown from his hands by the force of an exploding grenade. Private O’Toole then moved to a position where one of his comrades had fallen and took up his weapon. Alternately hurling grenades and leveling effective fire on the enemy, he continued in the intense fire fight until the enemy was routed and withdrew in disorder. Private O’Toole’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.