The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thoms W. Piercey (MCSN: 924261), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as acting squad leader of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 11 June 1945. When the enemy, located on a strongly fortified ridge on Oroku Peninsula resisted his company’s attack with heavy fire which caused numerous casualties including his platoon sergeant and platoon leader, Private First Class Piercey, unhesitatingly and on his own initiative, assumed command of the platoon and skillfully effected an immediate reorganization. Despite continued hostile fire and heavy casualties among his forces he courageously led his remaining men forward and by his exemplar leadership and conduct encouraged them to neutralize Japanese positions, disorganize the enemy and secure the platoon objective. His initiative, aggressive fighting spirit and devotion to duty reflect great credit on Private First Class Piercey and the United States Naval Service.