Navy Federal Credit Union

Kenneth Gregory and his brother Thomas Gregory, both serving with the same company in the 5th Marines, each received Silver Stars for actions less than two weeks apart.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    October 12, 1944

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00436

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Thomas R. Gregory (MCSN: 326368), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on the morning of 12 October 1944. When a well-armed Japanese soldier penetrated our defense during a strong hostile attack, Corporal Gregory immediately attempted firing his weapon although seriously wounded and, when the weapon failed to discharge, bravely charged the armed Japanese, struck him over the head with his gun, and threw him over the cliff. Attacking another of the advancing enemy with his bare hands, he succeeded in knocking him over the cliff also, before collapsing from loss of blood which necessitated his evacuation from the battlefield. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.