The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Thad N. Dodds (MCSN: 0-16806), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, Third Amphibious Corps, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 21 July 1944. Assigned the mission of protecting the Battalion’s left flank and blocking Harmon Road, First Lieutenant Dodds deployed his men across the road and tied in with the units on his flanks. During the night, when a large Japanese force of infantry and tanks made a violent counterattack against our lines, he braved enemy fire to direct all the units of his command. His aggressive fighting spirit and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Dodds and the United States Naval Service.