Citation Needed – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes Pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Thomas C. Killeran, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop A, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, on 6 June 1944, in France. On that date Private Killeran with one companion, displaying the highest courage in the face of unknown dangers, became one of the first American Soldiers of the ground forces to land on French soil. He volunteered for the mission of the landing on D-DAY on the Iles De St Marcouf, a strategically placed island commanding the beach where assault was to be made. Private Killeran and his companion paddled through heavy surf and mined waters in a small two-man rubber boat to within 100 yards of the island. Private Killeran then destroyed his craft by slashing it open, and swam the remaining distance armed only with a knife. Once on the island, which was heavily covered with anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, Private Killeran and his companion signaled the assault forces and marked the beach with lights. Private Killeran’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, and the United States Army.