The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Electrician’s Mate Second Class Thomas J. O’Malley, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action while attached to the U.S.S. LCT (5) 125 during the invasion of Salerno, Italy, in 1943. Electrician’s Mate Second Class O’Malley courageously drove vehicles to the assault beach under withering enemy gunfire. He returned to the ship to repeat the operation while the craft retracted and made five separate beachings in order to evade devastating enemy shellfire. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.