The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas F. Lynch (MCSN: 373092), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a 75-mm. Gun Crew serving with the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, 3 – 4 January 1944. When his Battalion was heavily fired upon by enemy rifle, machine-gun and mortar fire from strongly fortified hostile positions during an attempted night river crossing, Private First Class Lynch directed and controlled his gun through unfamiliar, tangled jungle, bringing the weapon to a position from which it was fired at point blank range, destroying enemy emplacements and guns and enabling the Battalion to advance. Private First Class Lynch’s daring aggressiveness and inspiring courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.