The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Marvin F. Thomas (MCSN: 1210979), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Loader of Battery G, Third Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 February 1953. While the battery was firing air bursts directly over friendly tanks which were being overrun by the enemy infantry, Corporal Thomas, approaching the howitzer with a fused round, accidentally slipped and jammed the fuse into the breach of the howitzer, endangering the lives of his comrades. Quick to act in the face of grave danger, he wrapped his arms around the projectile, faced away from the six other Marines at the gun, and dived into the personnel bunker which he knew to be unoccupied. Once inside the bunker where an exploding round would have wounded no one but himself, he defused the projectile and returned to his duties. By his indomitable courage, quick initiative and gallant devotion to duty, Corporal Thomas served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.