The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas J. Wagner (MCSN: 662622), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of a Provisional Infantry Platoon of Battery K, Fourth Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 29 November 1950. With his platoon assigned to reinforce a Marine infantry company in assaulting and securing Hill 1449 near Hagaru-ri, Private First Class Wagner fought gallantly throughout the intensive action. When a captured machine gun on the hostile side of the crest of the hill, which was being employed against the enemy, developed a stoppage and seven of the nine Marines protecting the gun were wounded, he voluntarily exposed himself to heavy hostile small arms, machine gun and mortar fire to assume the duties as assistant gunner. After assisting in clearing the stoppage, he remained in the exposed position and placed accurate and effective fire on the outnumbering force throughout four coordinated attacks, inflicting heavy casualties and denying the enemy the highest portion of the hill, thereby preventing a penetration of the defense perimeter. By his daring initiative, heroic fighting spirit and courageous efforts in the face of tremendous odds, Private First Class Wagner served as an inspiration to all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.