The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas Williams (MCSN: 1276435), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Weapons Company, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 7 November 1952. When a platoon was designated to capture prisoners and destroy enemy fortifications and equipment, Private First Class Williams voluntarily accompanied the infantry unit to a position approximately thirty yards from the objective where the enemy opened fire with an intense barrage of small arms and grenades. Despite the hostile fire, he continued to advance with the assaulting elements to the trench line until his group was pinned down by devastating fire from a bunker on commanding ground. Racing up the hill in the face of the deadly fire, he placed a satchel charge against the bunker and quickly moved back down the hill. When the charge failed to explode, he unhesitatingly seized another one from a nearby Marine, again advanced single-handedly up the slope and succeeded in destroying the bunker before he was painfully wounded by enemy fire. By his indomitable fighting spirit, exceptional courage and resolute determination in the face of heavy odds, Private First Class Williams served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.