The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Thomas M. Harris (MCSN: 464970), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Squad Leader and Gunner serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima on 7 March 1945. Observing that the advance of one platoon of a flanking rifle company was being held up by intense hostile machine gun fire Corporal Harris immediately led his squad into action through a hail of enemy mortar and small arms fire, delivering powerful overhead barrages upon the Japanese positions even after he was wounded and until he was struck down by a Japanese shell. By his courageous initiative, Corporal Harris enabled the flanking company to achieve its objective, and his heroic fighting spirit and disregard for his own personal safety reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.