The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Gunnery Sergeant Thomas P. Rigney (MCSN: 296448), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu and Ngesebus Islands, Palau Group, on 15 and 28 September 1944. When a heavily fortified hostile antitank gun emplacement retarded the advance of his company on 15 September, Gunnery Sergeant Rigney fearlessly crawled to an advantageous position on the flank and, after directing a steady stream of withering fire against the stronghold, temporarily confusing the enemy, closed to short range and silenced the position, killing all personnel manning the weapon. On 28 September, with a member of his company wounded while attempting to neutralize a Japanese position deeply entrenched in a cave, he again braved fierce resistance to pour intense fire into the area and hurl hand grenades to cover the withdrawal of the wounded man to safety. Determined to clear the cave of the enemy, he boldly charged the emplacement but was fatally struck down by hostile shellfire. His daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and aggressiveness on behalf of his company’s wounded were an inspiration to his comrades, and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon Gunnery Sergeant Rigney and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.