The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Thomas Wooldridge Buckner (NSN: 0-185336), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the U.S.S. HARDER (SS-257), during the FIFTH Wear Patrol of that Submarine from 26 May 1944 to 3 July 1944, in the Sulu Sea. As Torpedo Data Computer Operator his outstanding skill and his complete coolness and courage in the face of immediate destruction of his vessel enabled his commanding officer to have complete confidence in his fire control party such that he could use the total offensive power of the submarine resulting in the outstanding performance of sinking five first-line enemy destroyers out of six attacks. The fact that most of these attacks were made with the enemy destroyers being alerted required perfect performance of duty by this officer under the utmost tension. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to all, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.