The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Thomas P. Reffner (MCSN: 1082704), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 and 24 March 1951. When a small mortar ammunition dump was set afire during a fierce assault by a numerically superior enemy force, Corporal Reffner repeatedly exposed himself to intense automatic weapons, mortar and small arms fire to assist in removing the ammunition to the reverse slope of the ridge. Although painfully wounded by enemy shrapnel, he voluntarily carried out four trips in the face of the heavy fire to secure urgently needed ammunition for machine guns. Returning to his position, he employed a wounded Marine’s automatic rifle to furnish protection for the machine gun section throughout the remainder of the night and until the attack was repulsed. By his inspiring initiative, marked courage and steadfast devotion to duty, Corporal Reffner contributed materially to the success of the platoon and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.