The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Thomas J. Ruane (MCSN: 351175), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Marine Raider battalion during an attack against enemy Japanese forces on Tulagi, Solomon Islands, on 7 August 1942. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, Private Ruane repeatedly carried messages between his company and platoon command posts. On the same date, while courageously attempting to cross terrain which was subjected to fierce enemy machine-gun fire, he was seriously wounded. His heroic devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.