The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Warrant Officer Thomas L. Curtis (MCSN: 0-42803), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action on 17 May 1945 when attacking a Japanese held village in Central China. Warrant Officer Curtis was leader of a section of Chinese guerrillas in an attack against fortified Japanese positions where the attack was stopped by accurate enemy machine gun fire which pinned the Guerrillas down. With complete disregard for his own safety and while under heavy machine gun and rifle fire, he worked his way to a point about fifteen yards from a well concealed enemy machine gun emplacement which had pinned down his section and destroyed the gun and crew with a hand grenade. He then turned his rifle fire upon another machine gun emplacement. Warrant Officer Curtis’ gallantry so inspired the Chinese Guerrillas that the rallied and successfully completed the attack resulting in one hundred and five Japanese being killed, four prisoners captured and the remaining Japanese being forced to withdraw in confusion. Warrant Officer Curtis’ gallantry, coolness under fire and disregard for his own safety reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.