The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Thomas Lopez (MCSN: 1054994), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Gunner in a Machine Gun squad of Weapons Company, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 and 16 September 1951. When the enemy carried out a series of fierce attacks in strength during the hours of darkness while his squad was positioned on the extreme point of the company’s defensive perimeter, Corporal Lopez bravely manned his gun in the face of intense hostile fire until the weapon was rendered inoperable, and continued to defend his sector with a rifle and hand grenades. Although forced to withdraw, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to exchange the tripod of his weapon with another and succeeded in maintaining one gun in action against the onrushing hostile force. With all the supporting troops killed or wounded over a distance of 100 yards to the rear of his section and his supply of ammunition and grenades completely expended, he boldly hurled rocks at the advancing enemy and, in company with three survivors of his squad, steadfastly maintained his position, thereby aiding immeasurably in the successful defense of the sector and in killing 187 of the enemy. By his exceptional courage, outstanding initiative and aggressive fighting spirit, Corporal Lopez served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.