The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas R. Durham (MCSN: 566840), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 4 May 1945 Observing two wounded Marines exposed to hostile fire during an attack on a strongly-held enemy position, Private First Class Durham unhesitatingly ran out to assist them and, when several enemy soldiers attempted to attack and bayonet the wounded man, opened fire to kill four and force the others to retreat. Although painfully wounded by a hostile grenade during this engagement, he remained with the casualties and protected them until they could be evacuated. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.