The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Thor H. Kiilsgaard (MCSN: 0-18125), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Company B, First Engineer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 17 May 1945. When the advance of a tank-led infantry attack was halted by intense enemy artillery, mortar and small-arms fire, necessitating the construction of a tank by-pass around a demolished bridge, First Lieutenant Kiilsgaard volunteered to make a reconnaissance to find a route of approach and site for the tank by-pass. Advancing in front of the lines into the draw and locating the approach and site, he returned to the rear and led an armored bulldozer and demolitions men to the site, supervising the work for two hours despite the intense hostile fire. When the by-pass was completed, the tanks were able to advance and the infantry accomplished its mission. By his leadership, skill and courageous devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Kiilsgaard upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.