The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Thomas H. McGrath (MCSN: 2381139), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Battery G, Third Battalion, Twelfth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 25 February 1969, while occupying a defensive position at Fire Support Base Neville in Quang Tri Province, Battery G’s position came under a heavy volume of mortar and rocket fire, supporting a ground attack by a large North Vietnamese Army force. Reacting quickly, Lance Corporal McGrath was aggressively engaging the advancing enemy when a satchel charge exploded in a fuel storage area, causing a fellow Marine to be engulfed in flames. When the injured man ran from the flaming area, Lance Corporal McGrath, with complete disregard for his own safety, unhesitatingly left his covered position and raced across the fire-swept terrain to intercept his comrade and extinguish his burning clothing. As he reached his companion, Lance Corporal McGrath was mortally wounded by the explosion of the entire fuel shortage area. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal McGrath inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.