The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Thomas N. Greene (MCSN: 0-18181), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for gallantry and intrepidity while acting as Forward Observer of the First Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 23 November 1945. Separated from supporting infantry troops during fierce hostilities on D-Day, First Lieutenant Greene carried on valiantly despite the enemy’s shattering machine-gun and sniper fire for a period of two days and nights. With his Scout Sergeant killed during a bitter action, he dauntlessly continued calling for and spotting Japanese troop concentrations threatening annihilation of depleted friendly assault units. By his daring initiative, his outstanding professional ability and cool and courageous action in the face of grave peril, First Lieutenant Greene contributed Materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.