The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Thomas P. Brekke (MCSN: 305630), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. Armed only with hand grenades and a rifle and, although under heavy fire, killed eight of the enemy and saved the lives of three of his men who were caught in the cross-fire from the cave. After this action, he worked his way back to his platoon and led it in an attack which resulted in the destruction of nine hostile caves and the death of approximately forty-two enemy soldiers. His courageous leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.