The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Tom H. Gaines (MCSN: 296325), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of Company A Corps Signal Battalion, Corps Headquarters Troops, Fifth Amphibious Corps, and serving with the Naval Gunfire Liaison Team of the First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 16 June 1944. When several men in his team were severely wounded and in desperate need of medical aid during an enemy night attack, Technical Sergeant Gaines left the security of his foxhole and, braving the concentrated barrage of hostile fire, worked tirelessly to administer first aid. Inspiring other Marines to come to his assistance, he procured stretchers and directed evacuation of the wounded to the collecting station, thereby saving the lives of his comrades. His gallant spirit of service, leadership and courage reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.