The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Thomas W. Evans (MCSN: 0-57103), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Platoon Commander of Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 27 to 30 March 1953. When his platoon was subjected to devastating and incessant hostile machine gun, mortar and artillery fire almost immediately after crossing the line of departure on an assigned mission to counterattack a well-defended enemy combat outpost far forward of the main line of resistance, Second Lieutenant Evans continued to advance in the foremost position of his platoon until reaching a position approximately seventy-five yards from the objective and, although his unit sustained heavy casualties, remained in position for three hours while under continuous hostile fire. Painfully wounded during this action, he refused evacuation in order to continue with his group and, assisting the other casualties and encouraging the remaining seven men of his platoon, was instrumental in holding the ground, in the face of a seemingly impossible situation, until ordered back to the main line of resistance. Returning to duty after receiving treatment for his wounds, he assumed command of his reorganized platoon and skillfully directed the unit in defending a combat outpost, again exposing himself to heavy enemy fire to move from man to man, offering encouragement and advice. By his aggressive leadership, outstanding initiative and zealous devotion to duty throughout, Second Lieutenant Evans served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the success achieved by his platoon, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.