The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Thomas H Jenkins (NSN: 0-77794), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Air Group TWENTY-TWO (AG-12), attached to the U.S.S. COWPENS (CVL-25), in an aerial flight against the enemy in the vicinity of the China Coast on 16 January 1945. As the leader of a strike of five torpedo planes he led his planes through extremely intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire to press home an attack on enemy shipping which caused serious damage. His courage and skill in executing with perfect timing the attack was at all times inspiring and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.