The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Thomas P. McGuire (MCSN: 1187571), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Squad Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 8 January 1953. Leading his group in the assault against the right flank of a numerically superior enemy force occupying strongly entrenched positions on the crest of Hill 134, Sergeant McGuire exhibited exceptional leadership and repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile small-arms, grenade and automatic-weapons fire to rally and encourage his battered unit in the advance up the slope to reach the objective. With enemy resistance becoming increasingly severe as he approached his destination, he personally leaped into the trenches and fought at extremely close quarters, accounting for several enemy dead and silencing a concealed gun position which was halting the advance of his unit. Upon learning that the platoon commander on the left flank was severely wounded, Sergeant McGuire quickly reorganized his own squad and led his men to the opposite side of the hill where he assumed command of the remainder of the force. In the face of fierce hostile fire, he commenced his withdrawal and supervised the orderly evacuation of the dead and the wounded, assuring himself that all his men had withdrawn before ha rejoined them and returned to friendly lines. By his daring initiative, great personal bravery and inspiring leadership, Sergeant McGuire contributed in large measure to the success of the assaulting group in destroying and demoralizing the enemy and in obtaining invaluable intelligence. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.