The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas J. Shannon (MCSN: 299118), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of a 37-mm. Antitank Gun Crew of Weapons Company, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 17 June 1944. During a hostile tank attack, Private First Class Shannon repeatedly shifted the position of his gun to fire effectively at the approaching tanks and, although some of the enemy vehicles broke through the front lines in an attempt to outflank his weapon, aided materially in repelling the attack and in destroying five of the tanks. By his skill and courage, and aggressive devotion to duty in the face of hostile fire, Private First Shannon, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.