The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Thomas Martin Bissett (MCSN: 967410), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Runner of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines, Sixth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Motobu Peninsula, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 8 April 1945. Advancing ahead of his patrol to seek out the source of enemy firepower which was holding up his company’s advance, Private First Class Bissett discovered a strongly defended Japanese emplacement. Courageously launching a single-handed attack with hand grenades and rifle fire despite a furious onslaught of hostile machine gun fire, he succeeded in destroying the vital enemy position before he fell close by the Japanese gun, fatally struck down by a burst of hostile fire. By his aggressive fighting spirit and outstanding devotion to duty, Private First Class Bissett contributed materially to the seizure of his company’s objective and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.