The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Thomas B. Boylan (MCSN: 579667), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of a Combat Patrol of Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 December 1952. When the combat patrol came in contact with an enemy force forward of the main line of resistance, Sergeant Boylan unhesitatingly advanced through intense hostile small arms, automatic weapons and hand grenade fire to the foremost point of the unit and directed effective and damaging counterfire against the enemy positions. Repeatedly exposing himself to the hostile fire, he bravely moved from one man to another, coordinating their fire and lending words of encouragement. After directing the successful withdrawal of the unit to a small defiladed position, he skillfully reorganized the patrol. Discovering that the leader had been seriously wounded, he immediately assumed full command and led the Marines back toward the main line of resistance. Upon nearing friendly lines, he dispatched part of the patrol with the walking wounded, set up a defense around the more seriously wounded and, while awaiting the arrival of a relief squad, moved among the casualties to render aid wherever possible. When the reinforcements arrived, he assisted in the successful evacuation of his wounded comrades. By his outstanding courage, determination and gallant devotion to duty, Sergeant Boylan was largely responsible for the successful accomplishment of the patrol’s mission, and the failure of the enemy to inflict more serious casualties upon the friendly forces, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.