The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Thomas D. Cain, Jr. (MCSN: 349467), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of the Second Tank Battalion reconnaissance party, serving with the SECOND Marine Division, against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, November 20, 1943. After a lane of channel markers 1200 yards long over a shell and bomb-pocked coral reef had been swept away, Corporal Cain, with other members of his battalion, made himself a human channel marker and steadfastly remained at his exposed position under intense enemy fire until the tanks were guided to the beach. Courageously volunteering to lead them inland through our own infantry lines, he reached a point well within the Japanese-held area and daringly worked his way forward in the face of intense hostile fire in order to point out targets to our tanks, valiantly continuing his perilous task until he was killed. Corporal Cain’s extreme bravery and indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.