The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Thomas H. Tackaberry (ASN: 0-60504), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 September 1952 in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. On that date, Captain Tackaberry led a volunteer raiding patrol against a well entrenched enemy position. As the patrol reached a small hill crest near the objective, they were pinned down by enemy fire. Captain Tackaberry led two men down the exposed slope of the hill, silencing one source of the enemy fire by killing the three occupants of an enemy bunker. Returning to the crest of the hill, he paused briefly to secure first aid for the two men that had accompanied him and had been wounded during the action. At this time, the enemy were able to increase their volume of fire by bringing up three light machine guns and several mortar squads. Sensing the danger of the situation and in complete disregard of personal safety, Captain Tackaberry continually exposed himself to the enemy by moving up and down the line many times, directing the fire and shouting words of encouragement. During the action, he grabbed an automatic rifle and silenced one enemy machine gun. Moving to a strategic point nearest the enemy, he began to pour a rain of carbine fire pausing briefly to throw grenades into the bunkers. Many casualties were inflicted upon the enemy by his actions. When the supply of ammunition was beginning to e acute, he directed the patrol in a withdrawal movement, taking care to evacuate all of his wounded and personally giving them covering fire support until they reached the safety of friendly lines. The extraordinary gallantry of Captain Tackaberry reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.